Over 400 taxis in Chester have been stopped and checked since 'Operation Recordings' was launched.

Carried out by Chester Beat Management Team and the Special Constabulary, the operation was established to ensure taxis were safe, correctly licensed and compliant with regulations.

Officers engage with drivers in a bid to tackle unregistered and unsafe taxis operating in the area.

Over the past weekend (Friday 25 April – Sunday 27 April), officers conducted inspections on a number of locally licensed taxis alongside taxis licensed in other council areas.

Whilst it is not illegal for taxis licensed in other areas to operate in Chester, it is much harder for drivers and vehicles to be safety checked by local authorities.

Officers were deployed to a number of hotspots for taxis registered both in and outside of Chester.

Police conducted a number of safety checks, including making sure all vehicle lights were fully operational, drivers were in possession of their IDs and where appropriate, CCTV cameras were in operation.

As a result of the policing activity over the weekend, four taxis were issued with warning notices for faulty brake lights and incorrectly displayed number plates.

Inspector James Wilson said: "Operation Recordings was launched by the of the Chester Beat Management Team along with local partners including taxi licensing officers for Cheshire West and Chester, Wolverhampton, Wrexham, Sefton and Flintshire, in order to combat unlicensed passenger vehicles.

"The aim of the operation is to provide reassurance to those using taxis in Chester, that they are safe to use and road worthy with enforcement action being taken where appropriate.

"It was really reassuring to see that so many of the taxis that operate in our area were compliant with the appropriate legislation.

"Our officers will continue to support the legitimate taxi drivers in Chester and ensure those enjoying a day out here can return home safely."