‘Taxi Cop’ vehicle inspections in Bristol prompts FIVE prohibition notices to be issued
Several taxis were handed prohibition notices for a series of issues found during an evening of taxi checks in Bristol.
PC Patrick Quinton, known as the UK’s only dedicated ‘Taxi Cop’, helped conduct the latest safety and compliance operation of taxi and private hire vehicles in the Avon and Somerset area. Collaborating with the DVSA and South Gloucestershire Council, Quinton conducted checks on approximately 60 licensed vehicles in Bristol last Friday evening.
The inspections revealed several safety concerns. The DVSA issued five prohibition notices for issues including faulty brakes, worn tyres, and missing wheel nuts. Minor lighting faults were also noted. However, the most common failures involved driver identification badges, with multiple drivers either failing to display them or leaving them at home.
Aside from his roadside duties, PC Quinton also recently attended the Institute of Licensing (IoL) Conference in Stratford-upon-Avon. The event brought together industry leaders to discuss best practices and emerging challenges in the taxi and private hire sector.
PC Patrick Quinton, Taxi Cop for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “On Friday evening I worked with the DVSA and South Gloucestershire Council to check licensed vehicles around Bristol.
“We stopped and checked around 60 vehicles. The DVSA issued 5 Prohibition notices for issues about brakes, tyres and missing wheel nuts. There were a few issues with lights too but disappointingly the most failures were badge related - either not displaying or leaving them at home.”
