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Posted on the 30th April 2025 in PHTM News
OVER 400 TAXIS CHECKED UNDER LICENSING OPERATION ACROSS CHESTER
Chester Local Policing Unit is continuing its ongoing efforts to ensure taxis are operating lawfully in the area.
Operation Recordings, carried out by Chester Beat Management Team and the Special Constabulary, was established in a bid to ensure taxis were safe, correctly licensed and compliant with their regulations.
With support from the Cheshire West and Chester Council Licensing Team, over 400 taxis have been stopped and checked since the operation was launched in an attempt to engage with drivers and increase visibility alongside partners in tackling unregistered and unsafe taxis operating in the area.
Over the past weekend (Friday 25 April – Sunday 27 April), officers conducted inspections on a number of locally licensed taxis as well as taxis licensed in other council areas.
Officers were deployed to a number of hotspots for taxis registered both in and outside of Chester. Drivers were engaged with while officers conducted a number of safety checks, including making sure all vehicle lights were fully operational, drivers were in possession of their IDs and, where appropriate, CCTV cameras were in operation.
As a result of the policing activity over the weekend, four taxis were issued with warning notices for faulty break lights and incorrectly displayed number plates.
Inspector James Wilson said: "Operation Recordings was launched by the of the Chester Beat Management Team along with local partners including taxi licencing officers for Cheshire West and Chester, Wolverhampton, Wrexham, Sefton and Flintshire, in order to combat unlicensed passenger vehicles.
"It was reassuring to see that so many of the taxis that operate in our area were compliant with the appropriate legislation.
"Our officers will continue to support the legitimate taxi drivers in Chester and ensure those enjoying a day out here can return home safely."
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