Taxis and Private Hires in Walsall spot checked during licensing operation
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A series of spot checks on taxis and private hire vehicles were carried out during a recent event at Walsall Arboretum.
Working alongside West Midlands Police, licensing officers stopped 11 vehicles on Saturday August 2 to ensure drivers and vehicles were compliant with local licensing rules.
Six drivers were advised for not wearing their badges, while two drivers were asked to attend the depot to have new side IDs issued, where existing signage was worn or peeling.
Driver badges confirm that the driver is licensed by Walsall Council. Private Hire side identification, unique to Walsall Council, helps the public distinguish private hire vehicles from hackney carriages.
One driver was stopped and dealt with by police for child car seat and seatbelt offences.
Other vehicles were found to require follow-up checks; these included potential issues with first aid kits, fire extinguishers, appearance and cleanliness.
Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities, said, “These checks are about keeping passengers safe and ensuring our licensed trade maintains the high standards expected in Walsall.
“Many drivers do the right thing, but where improvements are needed, we will take action. I’d like to thank our community protection team and the police for their work over a busy weekend of events.”
Further taxi enforcement operations are planned in the coming months.
ENDS
