Joint operation ensures taxi passengers’ safety

North Yorkshire Police has taken part in a partner operation to carry out a series of checks on taxis and private hire vehicles in York to ensure they are keeping passengers safe in the run up to Christmas.

Officers from partners including City of York Council, Leeds City Council, North Yorkshire Police and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) supported the operations.

On Wednesday night (06 December 2023) officers from the city centre policing team worked with the British Transport Police,  Special Constabulary and roads policing officers on “Operation Edge.” Key partners which included the City of York council, the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), and Leeds City Council also took part in the operation.

Officers patrolled the city centre in marked police vehicles looking for taxis that didn’t have passengers on board. The taxi was then requested to stop and follow the police vehicle to a specialist bay. Checks were then made by the police and partner agencies to ensure that the vehicle was legal to be on the road and mechanically safe.

The operation identified several taxis which were found to have various faults of which prompt action was taken. In total, 22 vehicles were inspected, from the 22:

Five vehicles were suspended for defects of a significant nature.

Two vehicles were issued with a rectification notice which is issued for minor defects.

Fifteen vehicles were satisfactory.

PC Dave Ellison from North Yorkshire Police commented:

 “I am grateful to the partner agencies who assisted us with this operation which enabled us to engage with taxi drivers in the City of York.

“ We are currently running our Christmas Drink and Drug Drive campaign and are encouraging members of the public to leave their car at home and use a taxi.

“ Thankfully, most people act on this sensible advice so we want to do all we can to ensure that taxis and private hire vehicles in the city are operating safely and legally.

“ I ask that all taxi drivers ensure that their vehicles are maintained, remain fit for purpose and are road legal”. 

Sergeant Richard Ellis explains more about the operation: