‘Taxi Cop’ warns of poor taxi and private hire vehicle compliance after Bristol spot checks
PC Patrick Quinton, known as the ‘Taxi Cop’ with Avon and Somerset Police, has issued a warning to taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers after uncovering multiple vehicle offences during a night-time operation in Bristol.
The officer patrolled busy areas around the city, including the often-chaotic St Augustines Parade, where checks revealed several regulatory breaches. Quinton noted that nearly every vehicle inspected had issues ranging from faulty lights to problems with plates and badges.
In one case, a PHV driver was caught illegally plying for hire. The vehicle had no visible plates, and the necessary badges were concealed. The offence was compounded by the missing signage, leading to an immediate summons to court for the driver.
The enforcement warning comes as a reminder of the importance of adhering to licensing rules, which are in place for the safety and security of both drivers and passengers.
Hackney carriage drivers also came under scrutiny. Quinton highlighted the concerning number of vehicles with defective brake lights, urging drivers to carry out regular checks. Faulty lighting, he warned, poses significant road safety risks and may lead to further enforcement action.
The Taxi Cop’s warning serves as a prompt to all licensed drivers in the region to ensure vehicle maintenance and compliance. Regular maintenance and the correct display of plates and badges are critical to maintaining the safety standards required by law.
