Licensing
Joint taxi checks put passenger safety in the driving seat
Published on
A joint taxi enforcement operation in Walsall saw 30 licensed vehicles inspected to ensure vehicles meet the standards required to carry passengers safely.
Walsall Council and The City of Wolverhampton Council carried out the evening operation on 25 September 2026, working alongside West Midlands Police and Community Protection officers to check licensed vehicles and ensure they met the required standards.
During the operation, 30 licensed vehicles were stopped and brought in for inspection. Minor defects were identified, all of which were resolved on the night, with drivers returning to officers to confirm the issues had been addressed.
Police also required the removal of window tint from one vehicle, and one driver was reminded of the requirement to wear their prescribed glasses while driving.
None of the vehicles inspected during the operation were suspended, indicating an improvement in overall compliance among drivers compared with previous operations. A similar taxi enforcement operation in March 2025 saw 50% of inspected vehicles suspended due to safety concerns.
“ When people get into a licensed taxi, they should be able to trust that the vehicle meets the required standards and that passenger safety is being taken seriously.
It was encouraging to see an improvement in overall compliance during this operation, with minor issues being put right on the night. Regular checks are an important part of making sure drivers understand their responsibilities and that problems are dealt with when they are found.
We will continue working with neighbouring councils, West Midlands Police and our Community Protection team to carry out checks and take action where needed. These operations help protect passengers and support the drivers who maintain the right standards. “
“ Ensuring the safety of the travelling public is our highest priority, which is why our officers carry out regular enforcement activity across the country wherever our licensed drivers are working.
We will continue to support councils such as Walsall in delivering compliance operations that help ensure licensed vehicles meet the standards expected of the trade.
As part of this work we also target illegal 'ghost plates' and use laser technology to check vehicles meet the legal minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6mm. “
Joint enforcement operations form part of ongoing work to maintain safety and licensing standards across Walsall and the wider West Midlands region.
