Cheshire East Police Launch Operation Withdraw to Ensure Taxi Safety

Nantwich Police Join Operation to Ensure Taxi Safety

Nantwich police, in collaboration with Cheshire East Council, have launched Operation Withdraw to ensure the safety and regulation of taxi services in and around the town. This operation aimed to check the licensing status and operational standards of taxi drivers in Nantwich and Crewe. Over 100 taxis were inspected as part of the effort to tackle unregistered and unsafe vehicles. Similar operations, such as those in Kent, also focus on taxi safety and have led to the suspension of unsafe vehicles, highlighting the broader efforts to ensure road safety in the industry Safety Violations Lead to Taxi Suspensions in Kent.

The initiative involved a coordinated approach with various units, including the Nantwich Beat Team, Crewe Local Policing Unit, the Roads and Crime Unit, Streetsafe, Special Constabulary, and Cheshire East Council. The officers conducted thorough checks on taxis licensed both locally and in other council areas operating within Cheshire East.

While it is legal for taxis licensed outside the area to operate within Cheshire East, the inspection team emphasized the importance of ensuring these vehicles meet local safety standards. Officers inspected vehicle lights, checked driver identification, and confirmed that CCTV cameras were in operation.

Sgt Matthew Stonier of the Crewe Local Policing Unit commented:

"Operation Withdraw was launched by the Nantwich Beat Team along with local partners, including taxi licensing officers for Cheshire East, to combat unlicensed passenger vehicles. The aim is to reassure passengers that taxis are safe and roadworthy, with enforcement action taken where necessary."

The operation reinforces local authorities’ commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring that both residents and visitors can rely on safe, regulated taxi services.