Operation Targets Illegal Private Hire Pick-Ups, Drivers Face Licence Review

An operation aimed at addressing illegal passenger pickups has resulted in fourteen private hire drivers facing a review of their licences. This action, conducted on Friday, was initiated based on intelligence concerning drivers soliciting fares in Northampton town centre. Personnel from West Northamptonshire Council and Northamptonshire Police posed as customers, inquiring with private hire vehicle drivers who were parked if they were available for a journey. Private hire drivers are permitted to transport passengers exclusively when a journey has been pre-booked via a licensed operator. The council, which is Conservative-controlled, stated that all private hire drivers receive training upon their initial licence application regarding the distinction between their service and hackney carriages, the latter being legally permitted to be hailed by passengers. Maureen Allsopp-Clarke, a member of the Northamptonshire Police safer roads team, commented: “Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and cannot pick up fares as this not only breaches their licence conditions but also invalidates their insurance.” She further explained that the operation’s scope included verifying that private hire drivers adhered to all laws and regulations when transporting the public, and also that they possessed the appropriate documentation. This was done to mitigate risks for vulnerable individuals who might otherwise encounter unlicensed drivers within the night-time economy. For updates on Northamptonshire news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.