Chester Local Policing Unit recently took in an operation ensuring taxis are operating lawfully in the city.

Operation Recordings, which is carried out by both Chester Beat Management Team and the Special Constabulary, was established in a bid to ensure taxis are safe, correctly licenced and compliant with all regulations.

On Friday 11 July, officers worked with the taxi licensing team from Cheshire West and Chester Council, as well as teams from Flintshire and Wolverhampton, to make sure taxis were operating lawfully.

This resulted in 53 taxis being stopped, three taxis taken off the road due to defects, seven rectification notices issued and one TOR (Traffic Offence Report) issued for defective tyres.

Advice was also given to 12 drivers in relation to not having any 'no smoking' stickers displayed.

Inspector James Wilson said: "Countless people use taxis to get around Chester – from residents and those who work in the area, to visitors taking a trip to the city to enjoy all it has to offer.  

"This is why we work alongside our partner agencies to make sure the vehicles and drivers transporting these individuals are correctly licenced and compliant.

"These operations send a clear message that taxi drivers must comply with regulations for a reason - to ensure the safety of all those using taxis in the Chester area.

"All taxis must be road worthy with no defects, the driver needs to have an ID badge, there must be a fire extinguisher and first aid kit, and vehicles must display no smoking signs.

"Over the course of the operation, positive feedback was received from a number of taxi drivers and members of the public and we'd like to thank everyone for their cooperation."