Unlicensed private hire drivers and vehicles found during taxi compliance checks at Bristol Airport
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 9
A number of serious licensing breaches were uncovered during taxi compliance checks carried out by Avon and Somerset Police at Bristol Airport on Tuesday 3 June.
Patrick Quinton, the force’s dedicated taxi compliance officer, was on site to support police colleagues addressing concerns about unauthorised and potentially illegal “Meet and Greet” parking services. During the operation, he also conducted checks on licensed taxi and private hire vehicles.
While most vehicles and drivers passed compliance checks, with only minor badge and plate issues reported, three significant offences were identified.
One case involved a Hackney Carriage licensed by Wiltshire Council being driven by an unlicensed individual. In a separate case, a Gloucester Council-licensed private hire vehicle was also found to be in the hands of an unlicensed driver.
More seriously, another Gloucester-based private hire operator was caught using both an unlicensed driver and an unlicensed vehicle to fulfil a passenger booking.
All three incidents are now under further investigation. Quinton confirmed that he would be following up on these cases over the coming weeks and plans to provide an update on the outcomes.
Patrick Quinton, ‘Taxi Cop’ for Avon and Somerset Police, said on Tuesday 3 June: “I was working at Bristol Airport today supporting my colleagues dealing with unofficial and suspected illegally operating "Meet and Greet" services whilst I was doing my taxi compliance work. I'll tell you more about that work another time.
“It was good to see many of you, and Compliance rates for our vehicles and drivers were very good with only a couple of badge and plate issues.
“Unfortunately, I found a Wiltshire Council HC being driven by an unlicensed driver, a Gloucester Council licensed PHV being driven by an unlicensed driver and another Gloucester Council private hire operator using an unlicensed driver AND vehicle to complete a booking.
“I'll be working on those jobs over the next few weeks, and will try to update you on what happens to them.”
