Bristol Airport taxi and private hire enforcement checks yield suspensions and defects

An enforcement operation at Bristol Airport on Wednesday saw multiple taxi and private hire vehicles checked and in some cases suspended from working.

Avon and Somerset Police’s dedicated 'Taxi Cop', Patrick Quinton, led the initiative alongside other authorities, examining 91 Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles.

The inspection led to 25 non-compliance and improvement notices being handed out for minor issues. The DVSA also issued six prohibitions due to more serious faults, including fuel leaks, defective tyres, and steering problems.

One vehicle and two drivers were immediately suspended. Authorities also found a licensed driver acting as an operator without a licence, and another operator using both an unlicensed vehicle and driver.

The operation highlights the need for regular ongoing enforcement checks to ensure public safety within the taxi and private hire industry.