A joint police operation targeting taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) safety was conducted in Warrington on Saturday night, May 17th, authorities have confirmed.

Warrington South Neighbourhood police, collaborating with local taxi licensing officers, focused on ensuring the safety and legitimacy of licensed passenger vehicles operating primarily in the town centre and Stockton Heath areas.

Several taxis underwent checks during the operation. Working in conjunction with Wolverhampton Council licensing officers, a number of breaches of licence conditions were reportedly identified.

A spokesperson for Warrington Police emphasised the aim of the operation, stating: “Through Operation Confederation, we are working with our partner organisations to provide reassurance to those using taxis in Warrington that they are safe to use and road-worthy, with enforcement action being taken where appropriate."

The police also highlighted their ongoing support for legitimate local drivers, assuring the public that "Cheshire Police will continue to support the legitimate licensed drivers of Warrington throughout, ensuring those enjoying a night out in Warrington can return home safely.”

The involvement of Wolverhampton licensing officers stems from the significant number of PHVs operating in Warrington with licences issued by the City of Wolverhampton Council. Recent data indicates that a staggering 96 per cent of taxi driver licences issued in Wolverhampton in the past year were granted to individuals residing outside the city.

Current regulations prevent local authorities from denying a licence based on an applicant's place of residence. This has led to a trend where some drivers seek licences from councils further afield, reportedly due to a perception of less stringent requirements in certain areas.

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Pendle Council has published a new draft taxi licensing policy aimed at bolstering vehicle safety, ensuring driver suitability, and safeguarding the public against risks such as accidents, crime, and exploitation.

The proposed changes, soon to undergo public consultation, follow a period of contention surrounding taxi vehicle safety and maintenance, as well as disagreements over the implementation of a mobile phone app for checks and enforcement.

Recent vehicle spot-checks in Pendle have revealed significant issues, including problems with tyres, brakes, and seat belts, leading to clashes between councillors and the taxi trade on various aspects of regulation. These differences have encompassed the necessity of an app, the representation of hackney and private hire drivers, striking a balance between enforcement and collaboration, and streamlining disciplinary processes.

The ongoing disagreements even led to the resignations of Conservative councillors Kieran McGladdery and Richard O’Connor, and Liberal Democrat Cllr David Whipp from the cabinet, primarily over the perceived failure to prioritise public safety and the lack of insistence on a mobile app.

However, some councillors advocated for a different, more collaborative approach with the trade, suggesting the app could be mandated in the future if deemed necessary. They also highlighted the importance of taxi licensing revenue for the council.

Now, the council’s Taxi Licensing Committee is recommending a six-week public consultation on the new draft policy. Following this, the policy will be presented to the full council for formal adoption, incorporating any new feedback received.

A recent taxi committee report highlighted the long-standing nature of vehicle safety concerns, stating: “Mechanical standards in taxis has been an issue for Pendle over a number of years... After a number of years discussing with the trade how improvements could be made, the council change the licensing policy to require all taxis to be inspected each day, using an online app... In December 2024, a decision was taken to suspend the taxi app implementation for meaningful discussion with the trade.”

The introduction to the new draft policy emphasises a dual approach: “The vast majority of taxi drivers and operators are responsible people who make sure the public is protected. These polices are, however, aimed at ensuring every vehicle is safe and making sure we check every driver is a suitable person.”

It also underscores the broader social responsibility of the taxi trade, noting: “In other areas of the country, vulnerable people have been exploited, often in situations that could have been prevented had there been a greater awareness of their plight... it is important that we require all involved to have had training on issues involving child sexual exploitation and safeguarding of vulnerable people.”

Key proposed changes within the draft policy include:

• Vehicle age limits: Existing vehicles can operate until their 12-year limit. Euro 6 emission standard, hybrid, electric, or wheelchair-accessible vehicles (both existing and new) will have no age limit. New vehicle applications will only be accepted for these cleaner or accessible vehicle types.
• Testing: An annual MOT from any garage and a six-monthly taxi-specific test from a council-approved station will be mandatory.
• Road-worthiness: Vehicle proprietors with three MOT-classified dangerous or major failures within a two-year period will face the Taxi Licensing Committee.
• Spot-checks: Drivers whose vehicles fail a spot-check on dangerous or major items will face licence suspension: two weeks for the first failure, four weeks for the second, and a committee hearing for the third within two years.
• Private hire operator failure rule: The existing 50% failure rule for private hire operators is proposed for removal.
• Vehicle checks: Daily checks via an approved app or paper system will be required. Failure to conduct checks, comply with recorded issues, or providing false information will result in licence suspension, similar to spot-check failures.
• Knowledge test: The local area section of the knowledge test will be removed.
• Penalty points: A range of taxi-related offences under various Acts are listed, with associated penalty points for breaches.

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A Wirral taxi driver has been penalised with a £760 court bill after he left an elderly blind woman and her guide dog stranded in the "freezing cold." 

The incident occurred in January when Monica Price, an 80-year-old registered blind woman, had booked two taxis with Argyle Taxis in Birkenhead for a meeting in Wallasey.

Recounting the first encounter on being picked up, Ms. Price told the Globe: "The driver was most unfriendly and announced he had been waiting for at least five minutes... He must have seen I had a guide dog but it was only when I got to the car with my dog’s harness in my hand that he screamed at me, ‘I can’t take you. I’m allergic. Get that dog away from me’."

Ms. Price described how the driver then "jumped out his car 'still screaming' and ran down the street leaving her stranded."

She said: “Eventually another taxi was called, and I might have just put this episode down to experience but the man who came to collect me from my meeting was rude and belligerent, shouting he was allergic to dogs.

“He drove off and left me in the freezing cold. I had to get someone from the meeting to bring me home.”

Under UK law, taxi drivers are obligated to accept guide dogs and other assistance dogs unless they possess a medical certificate verifying a genuine allergy.

Following the incident, Argyle Satellite stated they would conduct a full internal investigation and cooperate fully with Wirral Licensing.

A spokesperson for the firm said at the time: "We are deeply disappointed to hear of these alleged incidents and strongly condemn any breach of the Disability Discrimination Act or the Equality Act... We expect all our drivers to adhere to the Equality Act 2010, and uphold their duty to carry passengers with guide, hearing, and other assistance dogs without additional charge, except for those who have successfully applied to the council for exemption on medical grounds.”

On Thursday, May 16th, one driver pleaded guilty in court and was fined £200, ordered to pay £500 in costs, and a £60 victim surcharge. His future as a licensed taxi driver now hangs in the balance as he is required to appear before the licensing committee.

A Wirral Council spokesperson affirmed their commitment to accessibility, stating: “The council is committed to ensuring that everyone wishing to travel in taxis licensed by Wirral can do so safely and in the knowledge that they will be provided with appropriate assistance... All drivers licensed by Wirral must undergo training that includes details of their responsibilities to passengers who wish to travel with an assistance dog.

"We will therefore take robust action should licensed drivers fail to carry out their duties.”

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Leeds City Council is proposing a shake-up of licensing rules that could require all hackney carriages in the city to offer cashless payment options. The move comes in response to concerns about passenger safety and complaints that some drivers are refusing card payments despite having the necessary equipment.

While over 70% of Leeds-licensed taxis already provide this service, a council report submitted to the Licensing Committee highlighted worrying accounts, stating: "Recent complaints received raise significant concerns around public safety."

The report specifically mentioned the vulnerability of lone females and young people who might find themselves stranded after running out of cash on nights out.

The report further elaborated: "The majority of drivers already have the facility to take card or electronic payments. However, if the journey is a local one, some drivers are stating that they don't accept cashless payments, despite having the equipment to do so."

Both passengers and drivers have reportedly lodged complaints regarding this inconsistency.

If councillors approve the proposal at the Licensing Committee meeting on Friday, May 23rd, it could become mandatory for all Leeds hackney carriages to offer both cash and cashless payment options from July 1st this year.

The report acknowledged that some drivers might be reluctant to accept card payments for short, metered fares they deem not "financially worthwhile." However, an online survey revealed that a significant majority of drivers support the mandatory introduction of cashless payments.

"In total, 62 per cent of respondents believe that offering a cashless payment facility in hackney carriage vehicles will improve the level of service provided to the travelling public in Leeds," the report noted.

Interestingly, the push for mandatory cashless payments is not solely coming from the council. The report also stated: "The introduction of mandatory card and cashless payments has been requested by the hackney carriage associations through their quarterly trade forums."

The Licensing Committee is now being advised to approve the proposed change at their upcoming meeting at Leeds Civic Hall.

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A 53-year-old man, Andrew Dolan, has been slapped with a £1,152 court bill after he unleashed a racist tirade and violently damaged a taxi in Longton.

North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard that Dolan and another man entered the taxi outside the Last Orders pub around 11pm on April 18th.

The court was told Dolan, who sat in the front, demanded to be taken to the A50 to meet his wife. However, the driver explained he needed a postcode and required the fare upfront.

Prosecutor Suzanne Swindail detailed Dolan's explosive reaction: "This made the defendant become angry and aggressive. The driver asked for £25 before they left.

"The defendant got angry and shouted at the complainant. The defendant got out of the taxi and slammed the front passenger door with force. He continued to shout through the open window.

"He then kicked the taxi twice with full force causing dents to the door. The estimated cost of repair was £400. He kicked the window causing it to shatter. Some of the glass came into contact with the driver.

"It cost £150 to fix the window. The driver was left with a small cut but there was no charge to reflect that."

Police were called and located Dolan nearby, arresting him for criminal damage. During the journey to custody, Dolan reportedly used racist language, leading to an additional charge.

Dolan, from Uttoxeter, admitted to criminal damage and racially-aggravated harassment, alarm, or distress.

His defence lawyer, Joanne Corbett, argued that Dolan was "heavily intoxicated" and that his anxiety was heightened because his wife was "stranded in traffic on the A50" and suffers from "extreme anxiety."

Corbett added: "He wanted to find her, to get her home and back to safety. He accepts he should not have said what he did and he should not have kicked the taxi."

Despite the mitigation, magistrates imposed a compensation order of £550, a £369 fine, £85 in costs, and a £148 surcharge.

Chairman of the bench Chris Rushton condemned Dolan's actions, stating: "This was an awful escapade. Taxi drivers do not deserve to be treated like that. In a way they are a public servant. They are doing their job."

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