Posted on the 15th June 2026 in PHTM News

TAXI DRIVER UNDER INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING MAJOR ENFORCEMENT CHECKS IN CHORLEY

A taxi driver is being investigated for allegedly driving without the correct licence and insurance after a major crackdown on taxis and private hire vehicles in Chorley.

Named Operation Abacus, the joint enforcement exercise was carried out by Chorley Council and Lancashire Police as part of National Licensing Week to ensure vehicles were safe, roadworthy, and properly licensed.

Authorities set up checkpoints across the borough and inspected 30 vehicles licensed by various local councils. While the vast majority of vehicles were found to be safe and fully compliant, three drivers were handed defect notices for minor issues like faulty lights and must now fix them for reinspection.

None of the vehicles had defects serious enough to be suspended. Aside from the driver under investigation, another driver was sent home to fetch a missing ID badge, which they later presented to officers.

The operation also resulted in police seizing a vehicle for alleged anti-social driving at a checkpoint and arresting another person for suspected drink-driving.

Highlighting the success of the crackdown, Councillor Alex Hilton, Chorley Council’s cabinet member for planning and development, said: “Operations like this demonstrate the importance of strong partnership working in keeping our residents safe and maintaining high standards across our licensed trade.”

Roads Policing Sergeant Ben Elliott explained that these checks are not a one-off event. “As part of Nightsafe, we carry out operations like this all year round to ensure that people are kept safe, that taxis are properly licensed, roadworthy and driven by people who meet the standards expected of them,” he said.

Chorley Council has confirmed it will continue to work alongside the police to run similar enforcement checks in the future.


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