A major multi-agency taxi enforcement operation saw nearly 200 licensed vehicles inspected across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble, with police and licensing teams working together on Saturday 14 March 2026.
The operation was led by Lancashire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit and Neighbourhood Policing Teams, alongside Licensing Officers from Preston City Council, South Ribble Council, Sefton, Knowsley, Blackburn with Darwen and Wolverhampton Councils.
The checks were aimed at identifying unlicensed drivers and making sure licensed taxis were safe, roadworthy and compliant with the relevant rules. Checkpoints were set up at key locations across the three areas, with officers inspecting vehicles for mechanical defects and basic safety items including seatbelts, brake lights and tyres.
The figures released from the operation showed that 198 licensed vehicles were inspected, 12 taxis were suspended due to dangerous defects, and multiple traffic offences were dealt with, including illegal tyre tread depth and faulty lights.
The report also stated that more than 50 passengers were spoken to during the operation and were given safety advice, with all said to be supportive of the checks and the focus on public safety.
Alongside the taxi enforcement work, the same operation also resulted in the arrest of a man who was not a taxi driver on suspicion of drink driving, while officers also carried out two Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act searches.
Sgt Ben Elliott from the Roads Policing Unit said the priority was making sure people enjoying a night out in Preston, Chorley or South Ribble could do so safely, including when travelling home. He added that the joint operation was intended to ensure taxis were properly licensed, roadworthy and driven by people meeting the required standards, helping give the public confidence that the vehicle they get into is safe, legal and responsible.
DM News Commentary
This is the kind of operation that many in the trade will welcome. While the vast majority of taxi and private hire drivers work hard, keep their vehicles maintained and operate within the rules, enforcement like this helps deal with the minority who let the industry down.
Twelve suspensions from 198 vehicles checked is a figure that will raise eyebrows, especially where dangerous defects are involved. For legitimate drivers and operators, these checks matter because poor vehicle standards and non-compliance damage public trust across the whole sector.
It also shows how cross-council enforcement partnerships are becoming more visible, with licensing teams from several authorities involved in one night of checks. That kind of joined-up approach sends a clear message that vehicle safety, licensing compliance and passenger protection remain a priority.
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