Taxi Driver Online

A big operation, but a relatively brief press release, and not a great lot of detail.

Not sure I ever recall so many different councils involved in a single operation, though - six named here, although maybe they weren't all present at all the locations.

Doesn't sound like the checks were particularly detailed, though, and no mention of DVSA.

But that's a 6% suspension rate, therefore not bad, but again the cars presumably weren't on ramps.


200 Taxis Checked During Major Safety Crackdown Across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble

https://news.lancashire.police.uk/news/ ... th-ribble/



Nearly 200 taxis were stopped and inspected during a large-scale multi-agency operation across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble, as police and council teams joined forces to keep the public safe.

Officers from Lancashire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit and Neighbourhood Policing Teams led the operation, working alongside Licensing Officers from Preston City Council, South Ribble Council, Sefton, Knowsley, Blackburn with Darwen and Wolverhampton Councils.

The proactive checks, carried out on Saturday 14th March 2026, targeted unlicensed drivers and ensured licensed taxis were safe, roadworthy and compliant with local regulations.

Checkpoints were set up at key locations across the three areas, with officers examining vehicles for mechanical defects and essential safety features such as seatbelts, brake lights and tyres.

Here’s what we did as part of the operation:

• 198 licensed vehicles inspected

• 12 taxis suspended due to dangerous defects

• Multiple traffic offences dealt with, including illegal tyre tread depth and faulty lights

• Over 50 passengers engaged, with safety advice given. All were supportive of the checks and the focus on keeping them safe

During the operation, a man who is not a taxi driver was also arrested on suspicion of drink driving, and officers conducted two Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act searches.

Sgt Ben Elliott from the Roads Policing Unit said: “Our priority is making sure that everyone who heads out to enjoy their night in Preston, Chorley or South Ribble can do so safely, and that includes getting home.

“This operation brought together multiple agencies to ensure people are kept safe, that taxis are properly licensed, roadworthy and driven by people who meet the standards expected of them.

“By working together, we’re giving the public confidence that the vehicle they step into at the end of the night is safe, legal and responsible and we will continue operations like this one so that those enjoying a night out can do so safely.”

High-res version of the photo on the Preston Police Facebook page:

https://scontent.fgla2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/ ... e=69C07436

Wouldn't have bothered with that, but it's the same Shiny Hand Car Wash depot they used in December for the last operation, which was almost as big

Although last time round, it was possible to work out via the Wolverhampton 'compliance' Twitter account that the two cars suspended were both Wolves-plated PHVs.

So although the strike rate this time round doesn't sound too bad at 6%, compared to last time round it's actually a lot worse.

Although the info provided last time round was a tad on the vague side as regards suspensions etc:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42068&p=440802

No way they can check that number of vehicles in detail.

I suspect it was a case of checking tyres and badges only.

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IDFIMH

Another one

And not much to see here, except that it looks like Sefton Council was involved twice

And no suspensions figure this time, or indeed any figures at all really, apart from total cars checked, and that two passengers searched under the drugs legislation.

But, as Sussex said earlier, the numbers involved suggests the checks are pretty perfunctory

Which is probably why they really only found defective tyres and bulbs.


Over 200 taxis checked in major NightSafe safety operations across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble

https://news.lancashire.police.uk/news/ ... th-ribble/

A total of 210 taxis have been stopped and inspected as part of large-scale safety operations across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble, bringing together police and partners to protect the public.

The coordinated operations, which took place over the last two weeks with the latest on Friday 12th June 2026, saw officers from Lancashire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit working alongside licensing officers from seven local authorities, including Preston City Council, Chorley and South Ribble Council, Wolverhampton Council, Sefton Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Sefton Council.

The initiative focused on identifying unlicensed drivers and ensuring that legitimate taxi services are operating safely, responsibly and in line with regulations.

The activity forms part of the ongoing NightSafe campaign, which aims to keep Lancashire’s night-time economy safe, welcoming and well-regulated for everyone.

High-visibility checkpoints were set up at key locations across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble. Officers carried out detailed inspections, checking for mechanical faults and safety requirements such as tyres, brakes, lights and seatbelts.

Results from the operation included:

• 210 licensed vehicles inspected

• A number of traffic offences identified and dealt with, including illegal tyres and defected lights.

• Two Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act searches carried out on passengers

Sergeant Ben Elliott from the Roads Policing Unit said:

"Our priority is making sure everyone can enjoy a night out in Preston, Chorley and South Ribble safely and that includes getting home without putting themselves at risk.

This operation is not just about enforcement, but also reassurance. By working closely with our partners, we are making sure that taxis are properly licensed, roadworthy and driven by people who meet the standards expected of them.

We want the public to feel confident that the vehicle they step into at the end of the night is safe and legitimate. As part of NightSafe, we will continue to carry out targeted operations like this to protect the public and uphold standards across the night-time economy.”

Where had they defected to? Uber?

as well as lights , roof lights, seat belts, meter starting rates and phones being used hands free

and of course there is a quick simple test of suspensions and oil levels can be done

pedant mode on it's 6.06% of the vehicles stopped

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector