A joint operation between Police Scotland and Highland Council Trading Standards in Inverness has resulted in several taxi and private hire drivers receiving warnings for breaches of licensing conditions.
According to The Inverness Courier, the enforcement took place on Friday 31 October 2025, targeting vehicles in the Inverness city centre and surrounding areas to ensure compliance with licensing and safety standards.
Licence breaches discovered
During the checks, 27 vehicles were stopped and inspected. Officers found issues such as:
- Missing or incorrect documentation required under licence conditions
- Failure to comply with driver dress code requirements
- Minor vehicle condition faults, including worn tyres
- One vehicle allegedly operating without a valid taxi licence
Police Scotland confirmed that most drivers were operating correctly, but several were issued official warnings to correct identified breaches.
Police and council comments
PC Siobhan Cooper from the City Centre Policing Team said:
“With the winter season upon us, it was a good opportunity to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and in a safe condition. It was good to see that most drivers were operating within the terms of their licences.”
Mark McGinty, Team Leader for Trading Standards at Highland Council, added:
“The purpose of the licence is to ensure the service provided is safe and fair. Whilst it is encouraging that the level of compliance was good, it is noted that some find themselves the subject of warnings.”
What it means for the trade
The joint operation highlights how closely local authorities are monitoring taxi and private hire compliance across the Highlands. Even minor breaches such as missing documentation or incorrect attire can lead to enforcement action.
Drivers are being urged to ensure all documentation is up to date, vehicles are fully maintained, and appearance standards are met — especially ahead of the busy winter season when road conditions deteriorate.
DM News Commentary
This latest Inverness operation reinforces the importance of maintaining high standards across the UK taxi and private hire trade. While most drivers were found compliant, even small lapses can damage public trust and result in costly downtime if licences are suspended. Similar operations are likely to continue across Scotland as councils tighten enforcement over safety, presentation, and documentation rules.
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