Taxi Cop and Wolverhampton council officers team up for cross border taxi and private hire compliance operation
PC Patrick Quinton, known locally as the ‘Taxi Cop’ with Avon and Somerset Police, recently joined forces with council officers from North Somerset and Wolverhampton to carry out vehicle checks across the region.
The operation focused on ensuring compliance among taxi and private hire drivers operating in North Somerset and Bristol.
During the shift, officers flagged minor compliance issues, such as badge and plate visibility, faulty lights, and improperly positioned phones or cameras obstructing the driver’s view. These collaborative checks, Quinton noted, allow council officers to directly address concerns with their licensed drivers while supporting broader enforcement efforts.
The initiative highlights the complexities of cross-border licensing rules that govern taxi and private hire vehicles. While drivers can accept pre-booked jobs outside the area where they are licensed, they must still adhere to the operating standards of their licensing authority. This often creates challenges for enforcement, especially when drivers are seen working far from the area where they are registered.
PC Patrick Quinton said: “I spent yesterday’s shift with officers from North Somerset and Wolverhampton Councils checking their vehicles across North Somerset and Bristol. Although I can deal with any driver, it's nice to have Council Officers with me to take the load off and address issues with their own licensees.
“Nothing too serious, just badge, plate and light issues. A couple of drivers needed to move their phones and cameras away from the windscreen so they could see properly.”
