A late-night taxi inspection operation in Leamington has resulted in one private hire driver being suspended and two others warned over tyre safety, following a joint enforcement effort between Warwick District Council and the City of Wolverhampton Council.
The checks took place between 9pm and 3am on Saturday, 4 October, focusing on 27 private hire vehicles (PHVs), many of which were licensed outside the Warwick district. The operation was timed to coincide with the return of Warwick University students, a period that typically sees a sharp rise in taxi and private hire demand.
While the majority of vehicles inspected were compliant, one driver was suspended for failing to properly display their taxi plate and for having illegally tinted windows. Two other vehicles were found with tyres that were close to being non-compliant, though the owners later provided evidence that replacements had been fitted.
Councillor Jim Sinnott, Portfolio Holder for Safer, Healthier and Active Communities, said:
“Taxis are a vital service and are a huge support to the night-time economy. While it is not illegal for taxis licensed by other authorities to operate across our district, we must ensure as far as possible that these vehicles meet the high standards required by our council, and we have a regular and robust system of checks in place.”
Costas Cosmas, Licensing Officer at Wolverhampton City Council, also praised the collaboration:
“Wolverhampton Council’s Taxi Team regularly works with other councils to ensure that licensed drivers are adhering to their licensing conditions. This joint operation with Warwick District Council is an example of excellent partnership work.”
Both councils confirmed that further joint inspections are planned in the coming months as part of ongoing efforts to maintain passenger safety and ensure high licensing standards across the region.
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