Authorities deliver on promised illegal plying-for-hire private hire crackdown during Cheltenham Race Week
A taxi enforcement operation during Cheltenham Race Week led to multiple violations being uncovered, including illegal plying for hire and dangerously defective tyres on a private hire vehicle.
In the lead up to race week, Cheltenham Borough Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council both issued warnings saying all private hire vehicles, including those operating via Uber, must be pre-booked. Any private hire driver accepting a journey without a prior booking is acting illegally and could face fines or licence revocation.
PC Patrick Quinton, known as ‘Taxi Cop’ for Avon and Somerset Police, worked alongside officers from Cheltenham Borough Council to monitor driver compliance during one of the busiest events of the year.
Among the offences identified were two bald tyres on a private hire vehicle, posing a serious safety risk. In addition, four drivers were found operating illegally. Two will face court action, one has been issued a ticket, and another remains under investigation by their licensing authority.
PC Quinton confirmed that none of the vehicles in question were licensed by Bristol City Council (BCC) or South Gloucestershire Council (SGC). The majority of vehicles inspected were found to be compliant.
He also acknowledged the efforts of licensed taxi and private hire drivers in managing intoxicated passengers and ensuring thousands of racegoers returned home safely.
PC Patrick Quinton, ‘Taxi Cop’ for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Last night I was working with officers from Cheltenham Borough Council as part of their Race Week work."
He added: “As well as two bald tyres (in the photo) on a PHV, I also found 4 drivers illegally plying for hire. Two will be going to Court, one is getting a ticket, and one will be further investigated by his Council. However, none of those were BCC or SGC vehicles and almost all our vehicles had no issues at all.”
