A joint police and council operation in Swansea has taken unsafe taxis and private hire vehicles off the road during Freshers Week — with one cab immediately banned from service after inspectors found a dangerous broken suspension.
Dozens of vehicles checked across the city
The targeted enforcement, dubbed Operation Nepsara, saw South Wales Police working alongside licensing teams from Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Newport councils. Over the course of the weekend, more than 50 vehicles were stopped and inspected in and around Swansea city centre.
Of the 30 vehicles brought into the official inspection area:
- 3 were issued warnings for low tyre tread and faulty lights
- 4 received Stop Notices, meaning they couldn’t carry passengers until the defects were repaired
- 1 taxi was immediately taken off the road after inspectors discovered a broken suspension, posing a serious safety risk
A further 22 taxis and private hire vehicles were checked on the roads by the Safer Roads Team under Operation Night Owl, which focuses on improving road safety during busy night-time periods.
Police: ‘Public must be able to trust taxis’
Sergeant James Ponting from South Wales Police said the checks were essential to protect students and revellers during one of the busiest weeks in the city’s nightlife calendar.
“Freshers Week brings thousands of people into Swansea’s night-time economy,” he said. “The public must be able to trust the taxis they use. Taking unsafe vehicles off the road is about protecting lives.”
Council: ‘Trust in taxis is vital’
Councillor Andrew Williams, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, reinforced the message that safety remains the top priority.
“These checks are about safeguarding vulnerable people and making sure every journey home is safe,” he said. “If a taxi isn’t roadworthy, it won’t be allowed to operate in our city.”
Public urged to use licensed, safe taxis
Authorities are reminding passengers to always use properly licensed taxis or private hire vehicles, check for visible licence plates and driver badges, and report any concerns to Swansea Council’s licensing team or South Wales Police.
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