COMPLAINTS, SUSPENSIONS AND PROSECUTIONS: York Council offers glimpse at taxi and private hire enforcement activity

An insightful report from City of York Council has offered a comprehensive look into the enforcement activities carried out by the Licensing Enforcement Officers during the 2023-24 period.

With a focus on maintaining the safety and compliance of York's taxi trade, the report sheds light on the proactive and reactive measures taken to ensure that both drivers and vehicles adhere to strict regulatory standards.

Throughout the year, officers conducted routine roadside checks on 187 taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs), primarily during the weekend's early hours. These checks focused on verifying driver licences and conducting basic vehicle inspections, covering essentials like tyres, lights, and signage. Notably, the checks also extended to taxis and PHVs licensed by West Yorkshire authorities, thanks to joint enforcement powers. Encouragingly, there were no instances of unlicensed drivers identified during these operations.

The council's enforcement strategy wasn't limited to basic checks. In collaboration with North Yorkshire Police, the DVSA, and occasionally other councils, more thorough examinations were conducted at Hazel Court. These inspections went beyond surface-level checks, delving into critical components such as brakes, suspension, and steering. The results saw 13 vehicles suspended, and 79 drivers issued with advice or rectification notices to address various issues.

Reactive enforcement also played a crucial role, with 182 complaints and reports related to taxis and PHVs being handled. This led to the revocation of 13 driver licences and the suspension of 18 others, primarily due to administrative oversights like failing to complete mandatory medical checks.

The enforcement efforts didn't stop at traditional methods. Covert test purchases were carried out to catch private hire vehicles operating illegally without prior bookings. Two drivers were prosecuted after they agreed to take undercover officers on unbooked journeys from York Racecourse to the city centre.

Licensing Enforcement Officers also addressed other infringements within the taxi trade, including issuing penalty notices for vehicles parked illegally on taxi ranks and enforcing anti-smoking laws within taxis. These activities demonstrate York City Council's commitment to upholding the integrity of its taxi services.