200 taxis checked during major safety crackdown across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble

Nearly 200 taxis were stopped and inspected during a large-scale multi-agency operation across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble, as police and council teams joined forces to keep the public safe.

Officers from Lancashire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit and Neighbourhood Policing Teams led the operation, working alongside Licensing Officers from Preston City Council, South Ribble Council, Sefton, Knowsley, Blackburn with Darwen and Wolverhampton Councils.

The proactive checks, carried out on Saturday 14th March 2026, targeted unlicensed drivers and ensured licensed taxis were safe, roadworthy and compliant with local regulations.

Checkpoints were set up at key locations across the three areas, with officers examining vehicles for mechanical defects and essential safety features such as seatbelts, brake lights and tyres.

Here’s what we did as part of the operation:

• 198 licensed vehicles inspected
• 12 taxis suspended due to dangerous defects
• Multiple traffic offences dealt with, including illegal tyre tread depth and faulty lights
• Over 50 passengers engaged, with safety advice given. All were supportive of the checks and the focus on keeping them safe

During the operation, a man who is not a taxi driver was also arrested on suspicion of drink driving, and officers conducted two Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act searches.

Sgt Ben Elliott from the Roads Policing Unit said:

“Our priority is making sure that everyone who heads out to enjoy their night in Preston, Chorley or South Ribble can do so safely, and that includes getting home.

“This operation brought together multiple agencies to ensure people are kept safe, that taxis are properly licensed, roadworthy and driven by people who meet the standards expected of them.

“By working together, we’re giving the public confidence that the vehicle they step into at the end of the night is safe, legal and responsible and we will continue operations like this one so that those enjoying a night out can do so safely.”