Two taxi licences suspended during busy West Yorkshire Police operation
Illegal taxis and anti-social drivers have faced enforcement action in Dewsbury, as local authorities ramp up efforts to improve road safety.
The Dewsbury Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by Kirklees Council’s Taxi Licensing Team, carried out a multi-agency operation on Friday in response to community concerns. The operation focused on the New Street and High Road areas of Earlsheaton, where reports of anti-social driving and parking had been escalating.
During the day-long initiative, three abandoned vehicles displaying false number plates were seized by police. Nine tickets were issued for various offences. On High Road, two taxi drivers had their licences suspended, while four tickets were handed out for breaches identified by taxi licensing officers. Speeding vehicles were also monitored.
PC Julia Stelfox, Dewsbury East Ward Officer, organised the operation after consulting residents and local businesses about ongoing parking challenges. Some of the issues are thought to stem from businesses leaving vehicles on private car parks or parking irresponsibly along the road.
Authorities have pledged further actions to address these concerns and ensure safer, more organised road use in the area.
Inspector Liz Lockwood of Dewsbury Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “The actions of some businesses have been causing unnecessary disruption and upset to the lives of local residents and those that use other nearby businesses and places of worship.
“This is unacceptable and resulted in PC Stelfox pulling together last week’s Day of Action to send a very clear message that such an anti-social use of local roads and spaces will not be tolerated.
“We are working with Kirklees Local Authority to ensure measures are put in place to prevent such actions continuing.“
“I am aware there are other locations in the Dewsbury area where this is happening. We have plans to address those that we are aware of.”
