Taxi Driver Online

The source of this is a very brief Facebook post with a few photos. But the local press have jazzed it up a bit. And have added a bit of explanation regarding the cross-border stuff. Not sure I'd call the Wolverhampton plates 'branding', though


Police carry out taxi stop-check operation in Warrington town centre

https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/ne ... wn-centre/

AN operation targeting taxi enforcement was carried out in Warrington town centre over the weekend.

Cheshire Police officers were joined by representatives of City of Wolverhampton Council’s taxi licensing team on Friday evening.

A number of taxi drivers were spoken to by officers to ensure that they were complying with rules and conditions.

Wolverhampton licensing officers were involved as there are many taxis operating in the town with licences bearing City of Wolverhampton Council branding.

Data shows that up to 96 per cent of taxi driver licences issued in Wolverhampton this past year were for people living outside the city.

Regulations mean that local authorities must not withhold a licence from an applicant based on where they live.

Some drivers have been seeking a licence from other council areas across the country due to a belief that some have less stringent requirements.

The force’s Warrington Police team said: “Out and about on Friday evening, the town centre beat team worked alongside road policing unit colleagues, special constabulary officers, and City of Wolverhampton Council taxi licensing officers.

“Several taxi stop-checks were carried out to ensure that vehicles and drivers were operating safely and legally.

“Officers also engaged with a number of people across the town centre, helping to ensure that everyone coming into the area is doing so safely and lawfully.

“We are committed to keeping Warrington town centre a safe place for everyone.”

It would have been nice if they had given us the results of these checks, but maybe this press release was issued before the checks, as their PR doesn't work weekends.

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IDFIMH

The results are in

Can't be bothered looking for the source of this. But looks like the basically found sweet Fanny Adams, in the grand scheme of things, at least.

And, of course, despite the headline...

Lots of police blather, though.


Action against eight taxi drivers in Warrington police operation

https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/ne ... operation/

A NIGHT-time police operation in Warrington conducted 12 vehicle stops on taxis and private hire cars as part of a licensing compliance check in the town centre.

Operation Consequent, led by Cheshire Police’s Warrington Local Policing Unit, aimed to ensure vehicles were correctly licensed and safe for transporting passengers.

Sergeant Anna Bell said: "With the busyness of the summer months, and several large events and festivals taking place in Warrington and surrounding areas, our teams have been deployed across the town centre as part of Operation Consequent.

"This focuses on ensuring that licensed passenger vehicles such as Ubers and independent taxis are adhering to the terms of their licences."

Of the 12 vehicles stopped during the evening, eight reports were issued by traffic enforcement officers.

Five of these were for failing to wear or display taxi licensing badges.

Other offences recorded included careless cycling, inappropriate use of fog lights, and a number plate violation.

Sergeant Bell continued: "Alongside our colleagues from the roads and crime unit, and our partners from Warrington and Wolverhampton councils, we also utilised the support of our volunteer officers from the special constabulary.

"Their help meant that we were able to maximise our visual presence across Warrington, providing reassurance to the general public where needed on a busy Friday night in town."

The collaboration with Wolverhampton licensing officers was due to the high number of taxis in Warrington displaying City of Wolverhampton Council licence plates.

Data indicates that up to 96 per cent of taxi driver licences issued in Wolverhampton in the past year were for residents living outside the city.

While it is legal for taxis licensed in other areas to operate in Warrington, it can limit the ability of local authorities to carry out safety checks on drivers and vehicles.

Sergeant Bell added: "It was really reassuring to see that so many of the taxis that operate in our town were compliant with the appropriate legislation, with action taken where necessary against the few found to be in breach.

"Our officers will continue to support the legitimate taxi drivers in Warrington all year round, with this operation continuing well into the summer months to ensure that those enjoying a night out in Warrington can return home safely."

Operation Consequent is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard residents and visitors in Warrington’s night-time economy by ensuring only fully licensed and compliant vehicles operate in the area.

Police emphasised their commitment to supporting compliant drivers while taking action against any who fail to meet legal standards.

The obvious exception there begs the equally obvious question - were the fog light and number plate violations about the 12 'taxis' stopped?

So the only concrete info in the piece about the trade is the five drivers not wearing badges.

I wouldn't be surprised, though, if the 'careless cycling' thing is an error - in terms of numbers, the 'eight reports issued' equates to the five badges and three other things.

And what even is a 'report issued by traffic enforcement officers'? Does that mean the badge violations were recorded as criminal offences?

Bravo, the world is a far safer place now.

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IDFIMH