A coordinated taxi enforcement operation in York on Saturday, 11 October 2025, resulted in several vehicles being suspended or prohibited from service after safety inspections.
North Yorkshire Police’s Road Safety Team, supported by Special Constables from York, joined forces with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and taxi licensing officers from York, Bradford, and Leeds to carry out targeted checks on taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) travelling to and from the city.
The proactive operation was part of early preparations for the upcoming Dark Nights campaign, which aims to improve road safety for vulnerable road users during the winter months.
Vehicle inspections and results
A total of 24 licensed vehicles were inspected during the evening:
- 18 from Bradford
- 4 from Leeds
- 2 from York (including one hackney carriage)
- All others were private hire vehicles
Following the checks:
- 10 vehicles were found to be satisfactory
- 7 vehicles received advice for minor issues
- 7 vehicles were suspended from operating for the remainder of the evening
- 4 vehicles received immediate prohibitions from the DVSA
- 5 vehicles received delayed prohibitions from the DVSA
In addition, 23 tickets were issued by North Yorkshire Police to both taxi and private vehicle drivers for offences including:
- Incorrect number plates
- Faulty number plate lights
- Tyre defects
- Use of fog lights inappropriately
- Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition
- Using an incorrectly registered vehicle
Police statement
Traffic Constable Matthew Harvey, Road Safety Officer, said:
“This operation is not a one-off. Officers will continue to ensure that vehicles travelling in North Yorkshire are roadworthy, especially taxis. Public safety is our priority, and we’re committed to making sure that those who rely on taxis can do so with confidence.”
The Road Safety Team urged all drivers — particularly those operating passenger vehicles — to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and compliant with legal standards, especially as darker evenings and adverse weather conditions set in.
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