Taxi Driver Online

Slightly odd this - first, it's about a police enforcement campaign generally, and not all about the trade.

Second, although it says 14 PHVs suspended - which seems a lot - neither the article nor the councillor quoted mention HCs at all. Which seems odd, unless of course the HC trade are absolute angels in Bolton

But I'm taking the figures with a pinch of salt


Police take nine cars off the road in day of action

https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/17 ... of-action/

POLICE seized nine vehicles and reported a further 31 in just one day of action against dodgy drivers.

Traffic officers patrolled Bolton’s streets on Monday in an effort to crack down on poor drivers and stop accidents.

They were joined by council enforcement officers who suspended 14 private hire drivers on the same day for a variety of safety and licensing offences.

It all comes as part of Operation Crackdown, an ongoing GMP campaign to improve driving standards taking in all manner of issues impacting everything from cars and vans to cyclists and even horses.

Owners of cars seized by the police have to pay a 'release fee' of up to £200 plus £20 a day in storage fees to have the vehicle returned.

Other offenders who have been caught and given traffic offence reports (TORs) can be fined, receive points on their licence or be asked to road safety courses.

In terms of taxis, Cllr Nick Peel, executive cabinet member for environmental services, says the council’s part in the clampdown was an effort to make passengers feel more secure and let drivers know they cannot get away with flaunting the rules.

“Passengers in Bolton have a right to feel safe and secure while travelling,” he said.

“A key part of that is ensuring all private hire vehicles meet required safety standards and display all appropriate livery and license information.

“There are a clear set of standards that we expect private hire drivers to follow and anyone who fails to meet these standards risks being suspended until the issue is rectified.”

Operation Considerate takes in a number of driving offences including everything from drink and drug driving to not wearing seatbelts, having incorrect tyre pressure or driving while using a phone.

In addition to the officers out on patrol, part of Operation Considerate involves collecting video evidence from the increasing number of dashcam clips that have been collected by drivers.

This footage often shows example of unlawful driving and police should be contacted within 72 hours of the incident taking place. Anyone who gets in touch is then sent an email with instructions on how to upload footage and is required to submit a statement and, if necessary, attend court.

To contact police about non-urgent motoring offences, call 101 or visit: www.gmp.police.uk.