BLACKBURN TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE BLITZ: DRIVERS PENALISED IN LATE NIGHT SAFETY SWEEP

Blackburn with Darwen council licensing officers and police officers descended on the streets of Blackburn with Darwen last Friday night, 30 January, targeting the local taxi trade in a proactive safety crackdown.

The operation resulted in 20 vehicles being pulled over for rigorous spot checks to ensure all operators were "properly licensed and vehicles were safe to be on the road."

Of the vehicles inspected, nine were registered directly with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

The sting led to immediate disciplinary action for five of those drivers, who were hit with council penalty points for failing to wear their official badges or neglecting to display mandatory private hire signage.

Police officers supporting the sweep also issued two formal traffic offence reports.

The operation sparked a heated digital debate after the council posted the results on social media, with residents questioning why more than half of the stopped vehicles were licensed outside the borough.

Addressing concerns about cars bearing "Wolverhampton plates" operating locally, the council confirmed that out-of-town drivers are legally permitted to work within the area.

However, the local authority clarified that they are still monitoring these external operators closely. When asked what happens to drivers licensed elsewhere who fail to meet standards, the council stated: "We send full details including any photos taken to the relevant licensing authority" to ensure they don't escape accountability.

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