Posted on the 23rd December 2025 in PHTM News

BLACKBURN TAXI CRACKDOWN: TWELVE DRIVERS DISCIPLINED IN NIGHT TIME SAFETY SWEEP

A joint enforcement operation between Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire Constabulary has resulted in a wave of penalties and suspensions for local taxi and private hire drivers.

The crackdown, conducted on the evening of Thursday, December 18, saw licensing officers and special constables intercepting vehicles to ensure strict compliance with safety and legal standards. By the end of the night, 12 drivers were sanctioned for various breaches.

The operation targeted both moving vehicles and those stationary in the borough, leading to:

  • 9 drivers receiving penalty points for failing to wear ID badges or display mandatory insurance signage.

  • 2 vehicle licences being suspended due to improperly displayed plates.

  • 1 driver reported for a traffic offence after using cable ties to secure a licence plate in a manner that obscured the vehicle's registration number.

The council emphasised that the suspensions remain in place until the vehicles pass a fresh inspection.

In an official statement, the council noted: "These drivers will now have the opportunity to resolve the issues. If they don’t, further action can be taken by the council... Both suspended vehicles will be unable to be used as licensed vehicles until the licensing team have inspected them again."

Councillor Jim Smith, who praised the staff for working "on a cold winter’s night," framed the operation as a necessary measure for passenger protection.

"This operation is part of the council’s commitment to ensure that licensed drivers and vehicles are compliant with all regulations and conditions," Smith said. "It offers a clear message to our drivers that public safety is at the forefront of our agenda."


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