Taxi enforcement checks uncover multiple licence breaches in South Cambridgeshire
A series of stop checks carried out in Cambridge revealed widespread compliance issues among local taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers and their vehicles.
Of the 17 taxis and PHVs pulled over by South Cambridgeshire District Council licensing officers and Cambridgeshire Constabulary, only two were fully compliant with their licence conditions.
The joint operation, aimed at ensuring driver and vehicle safety, flagged a number of concerns. Fifteen drivers received either penalty points or advisory letters relating to issues such as missing identity badges, improper door signage, and the lack of required safety equipment.
One driver was issued with a fixed penalty notice by the Police for failing to wear a seatbelt. Though private hire drivers are exempt from wearing seatbelts when carrying passengers, this driver was caught without one after their fare had disembarked.
Another significant violation involved two vehicles that had installed aftermarket window tints, contravening South Cambridgeshire’s taxi licensing policy. In one case, the windscreen was found to allow just 49.6% of light through, well below the legal minimum of 75%. The licence for this vehicle was suspended on the spot, and the driver was given 14 days to rectify the issue.
While the majority of drivers cooperated during the checks, two showed poor conduct towards officers, with one being cautioned by the police. This incident may prompt a review of the driver’s suitability to hold a taxi licence, which could lead to further action by the Taxi Licensing Sub-Committee.
These stop checks, the second of their kind this year, highlight the need for continued vigilance to uphold licensing standards and ensure passenger safety across the district.
South Cambridgeshire Neighbourhood Sergeant, Rob Taylor, said: “It was disappointing to see the majority of taxis checked during the operation were not meeting the required standards. Checking drivers are using a safe, approved vehicle with the correct equipment when carrying members of the public and following all laws and regulations will undoubtedly help improve road safety and reduce the risk of collisions.
“Checking the taxi driver documentation also helps reduce the risk to vulnerable people who may fall prey to unlicensed drivers in the nighttime economy. We would like to remind people to use reputable companies and apps when booking a taxi. When the taxi arrives, the driver should be wearing photographic identification as well as having their private hire licence displayed within the vehicle. These checks will continue throughout the year to ensure everyone’s safety.”
