Taxi drivers were checked for compliance as Cherwell District Council officials and police conducted a joint operation in Banbury on the night of Friday 24 June.

Licensing officials from Cherwell District Council were out in force from 8pm till midnight.

In Banbury 17 vehicles were stopped. Although the majority of drivers were fully compliant, a small number were found in breach of conditions. Breaches ranged from failing to display or carry driver badges to out-of- date insurance details.

Drivers were issued with warnings and appropriate follow-up action taken.

Councillor Tony Ilott, Cherwell’s lead member for public protection, said: “We take the licensing of our taxi drivers incredibly seriously and it is one of our top priorities to ensure that all drivers are fully compliant and properly licensed.

“Cherwell is committed to ensuring that its residents feel as secure and comfortable as possible when travelling by taxi. This operation was a big success and we will be running more like it alongside our police partners throughout the year.

“The vast majority of Cherwell’s drivers are very happy to work with us on compliance. They know it is in everyone’s best interests for them to offer customers an excellent service.

“Concurrently with these spot checks we are also consulting on the introduction of a new policy attaching further conditions to taxi licences.”

Council officers checked that the vehicles’ plates matched the drivers’ registration documents and that the latter were up-to-date. They also ensured that Hackney meters were sealed and roof lights switched on.

Council licensing officials plan to run further operations at regular intervals over the coming months.