23/6/2009

A 12-hour police swoop on Newport taxi drivers resulted in nine vehicles being prohibited for defects and nine drivers reported for plying for hire in breach of their taxi licence.

Thirteen fixed penalty notices were issued for offences including speeding and not wearing a seatbelt, one driver reported for driving licence and insurance offences and one vehicle seized for no insurance.

Gwent PC Andy Wiltshire, who co-ordinated the operation on Friday, said: “The vast majority of the taxi drivers in Newport operate to a high standard, prioritise passenger safety and adhere to road safety legislation.

“However, there are a number of taxi and private hire drivers who breach their licensing conditions and flout road traffic law.

“Through pro-active operations such as this one we hope to improve taxi driving standards and reassure members of the public that the service offered to them is safe and legal.

“Let there be no doubt, if you breach your conditions or break the law you will be prosecuted and may lose your taxi licence or even your driving licence.�