Over 400 taxis checked under licencing operation across Chester

Chester Local Policing Unit are continuing their ongoing efforts to ensure taxis are operating lawfully in the area.

With support from the Local Authority Licensing Team, over 400 taxis have been stopped and checked since the operation was launched in an attempt to engage with drivers and increase visibility alongside partners in tackling unregistered and unsafe taxis operating in the area.

Over the past weekend (Friday 25 April – Sunday 27 April), officers conducted inspections on a number of locally licenced taxis as well as taxis licenced in other council areas.

Whilst this is not illegal for taxis in licenced in other areas to operate in Chester, it makes it much harder for drivers and vehicles to be safety checked by local authorities to ensure that they are suitable to transport the public.

Officers were deployed to a number of hotspots for taxis registered both in and outside of Chester. Drivers were engaged with while officers conducted a number of safety checks, including making sure all vehicle lights were fully operational, drivers were in possession of their IDs and, where appropriate, CCTV cameras were in operation.

As a result of the policing activity over the weekend, four taxis were issued with warning notices for faulty break lights and incorrectly displayed number plates.

Inspector James Wilson said: 

"Operation Recordings was launched by the of the Chester Beat Management Team along with local partners including taxi licencing officers for Cheshire West and Chester, Wolverhampton, Wrexham, Sefton and Flintshire, in order to combat unlicensed passenger vehicles.

"The aim of the operation is to provide reassurance to those using taxis in Chester, that they are safe to use and road worthy with enforcement action being taken where appropriate. It was really reassuring to see that so many of the taxis that operate in our area were compliant with the appropriate legislation.

"Our officers will continue to support the legitimate taxi drivers in Chester and ensure those enjoying a day out here can return home safely."