Macclesfield Local Policing Unit and Cheshire East Council joined forces for an operation aimed at monitoring local taxis.

Operation Withdraw saw more than 60 taxis stopped over the weekend, with 25 of them issued Traffic Offence Reports for things such as not wearing a seatbelt and driving through pedestrianised zones.

Meanwhile, four taxis were reported to the local authority for licensing offences, including failing to display taxi plates correctly.

Inspector Nick Rogers said: "It's important for the safety of those using private hire vehicles that the cars or minibuses are roadworthy, adhering to licensing regulations and driving safely.

"The aim of this operation is to provide reassurance to those using taxis in the Macclesfield and surrounding areas, that they are safe to use and roadworthy with enforcement action being taken where appropriate.

"It was really reassuring to see that so many of the taxis that operate in our towns were compliant with the appropriate legislation, with the few found to be in breach being swiftly dealt with.

"Our officers will continue to support the legitimate taxi drivers in and around Macclesfield with this operation.

"In fact, we expect we will use this tactic in other Cheshire East areas now that we have seen its benefits in keeping people safe."

advertisement

Officers carried out inspections of taxis over the weekend (Credit: Macclesfield Police)

On Friday (April 25) and Saturday (April 26), officers were deployed to Poynton and Macclesfield stations and taxi ranks.

They inspected both locally licenced taxis and those licenced in other council areas operating in the area.

While at the ranks, officers from both the LPU and Cheshire East Council engaged with the drivers and conducted a number of safety checks, including making sure all vehicle lights were fully operational, drivers were in possession of their IDs and, where appropriate, CCTV cameras were in operation.

They also checked they had road tax and insurance, the driving licence of the driver, whether the taxi is registered correctly, and whether they have the valid permits to operate.

Offences found to have been committed included having tyres below the legal tread depth, driving without due care and attention, using the pedestrianised zone as a cut through, misuse of hazard lights, failing to maintain obligatory lights, a driver not wearing a seatbelt and rear registration mark light not lit during darkness.