West Yorkshire Taxis Suspended in Major Road Safety Crackdown

A large-scale police operation on Manchester Road in Milnsbridge, West Yorkshire, led to multiple suspensions and arrests as authorities cracked down on road safety violations. The operation, conducted by the Kirklees Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team in collaboration with Kirklees Council’s licensing department, the DVSA, and other enforcement officers, resulted in five taxi drivers having their licences suspended due to serious vehicle defects.

Similar enforcement efforts have taken place across the UK, including a multiple agency operation in Warrington, where over 130 taxis were inspected to ensure compliance with licensing regulations.

In addition, officers issued Traffic Offence Reports to four drivers for violations such as driving without insurance. A male driver was also arrested for drug driving during the operation. Authorities hailed the initiative as a success, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring road safety in the region.

Taxis and Road Safety Concerns

Fifteen taxis were stopped during the inspection, with ten found to have various issues, ranging from minor signage violations to significant vehicle defects. Licensing officers suspended five taxi licences on the spot, deeming the vehicles unfit for passenger transport.

PC Grifford of the Kirklees Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team stated:

"We know from speaking with our residents that road safety remains a real concern of theirs as it does for us. The winter weather can obviously introduce extra hazards into our day-to-day driving, and it’s really important we all drive safely and vehicles are kept roadworthy."

Future Operations and Public Engagement

Authorities have confirmed that more operations of this nature will be carried out in the future. They have urged residents to report any concerns regarding road safety violations, as community input plays a vital role in planning enforcement activities.