POLICE at Warrington, supported by “Specials” and teams from the wider force, conducted a night-long operation ensuring taxi and hire vehicles were correctly licenced.
Operation Consequent was launched to ensure residents and visitors to the town are safe in night-time community settings and to ensure taxis operating in the area are correctly licenced.
Officers from the Warrington Town Centre Beat Team were supported by colleagues from the Special Constabulary, Roads and Crime Unit and Warrington and Wolverhampton Council Taxi Licensing.
While it is not illegal for taxis licenced in other areas to operate in Warrington, it makes it much harder for drivers and vehicles to be safety-checked by local authorities to ensure that they are suitable for transporting the public.
During the evening, officers conducted 12 vehicle stops on taxis and private hire cars across the town.
A total of eight reports were issued during the evening, for offences including:
• x5 failing to wear/display taxi licencing badges
• x1 number plate offences
• x1 inappropriate use of fog lights
• x1 careless cycling
Sergeant Anna Bell, of Warrington’s Neighbourhood Team, said: “With the busyness of the summer months, several large events and festivals taking in Warrington and the surrounding areas, our local teams have been deployed across the town centre as part of Operation Consequent, which focuses on ensuring licensed passenger vehicles such as Ubers and independent taxis are adhering to the terms of their licences.
“We were able maximise our visual presence across Warrington, providing reassurance to the general public where needed on a busy Friday night in town.
“It was really reassuring to see that so many of the taxis that operate in our town were compliant with the appropriate legislation.
“Our officers will continue to support the legitimate taxi drivers in Warrington all year round, with this operation continuing well into the summer months to ensure those enjoying a night out in Warrington can return home safely.”
