Last Friday, the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Licensing Team carried out a taxi licensing operation – Operation Beccles – alongside our colleagues from the Swansea Council taxi licensing team.
The date coincided with the first day of this year’s Op Advent, which involves policing activity to ensure that visitors can enjoy the city centre’s night-time economy during the festive period, as well as an Operation Chirk day of action, which saw outstanding suspects brought into custody.
During the evening, marked police vehicles patrolled the city centre and identified Hackney carriage and private-hire taxis to be brought back for spot-checks at our inspection area. As well as physical checks carried out on the vehicles themselves, officers also utilised the Police National Computer (PNC) and other police databases to ensure that drivers were legitimate and were operating legally.
In total, 17 vehicles were brought into the inspection area, three of which were issued stop notices, which prevent them from operating as a taxi until defects identified with their vehicles are rectified. One vehicle was issued a Section 60 notice – a delayed suspension which allows the operator a period of time to rectify an issue identified.
Sergeant James Ponting said:
“It is very important that anyone visiting Swansea city centre has assurance that their safety is of utmost concern when they use a taxi.
“This is why taxi operators must follow specific legislation to ensure that both their vehicles and drivers are roadworthy.
“This operation further highlights the emphasis that we place on community safety – we want people to come and enjoy the city centre and then get home safely afterwards.”
Andrew Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, said:
“At any time of year, but especially during the festive period when demand for taxi and private hire vehicles is high, we want people to feel safe using these services.
“That’s why we are proud to be part of this kind of work and the results of Operation Beccles demonstrate how necessary it is for us and the police to take steps to ensure vehicles and drivers are fit for purpose. Protecting vulnerable individuals and enabling safe travel to and from our city remains a top priority for Swansea Council.”
