Joint operation ensures safe and legal taxi service
Ensuring taxi drivers have roadworthy vehicles and are operating in a safe and legal way was the focus of a special evening operation that saw more than 20 drivers stopped and several having action taken against them.
Licensing enforcement officers from Canterbury City Council and Kent Police officers were joined by Police Dog Sully, a specialist drugs dog, for the joint operation in Canterbury on Friday 27 March.
The team carried out static and mobile checks throughout the evening, with 21 drivers stopped and engaged with.
Two drivers had their licences suspended immediately by council licensing officers for bald tyres, with both also receiving traffic offence reports from the police for these defects.
One of these drivers was also searched under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, and a search of his vehicle under the same powers resulted in the seizure of two small, serrated knives – one found in the driver’s door pocket and one in the boot.
A further driver was given a warning for a defective light, while other breaches of licensing policy were also found and will be dealt with by licensing officers separately.
An important element of the operation was around safeguarding. All 21 drivers were provided with an engagement pack containing information on key themes, such as Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), exploitation risks, vulnerability awareness and how to report concerns appropriately.
These packs were designed to reinforce the role of drivers in safeguarding the public and recognising risk indicators during their work.
In addition to taxi-focused activity, officers carried out proactive patrols at the Canterbury Lane and St George’s Lane taxi ranks, where several breaches of policy were noted which will also be dealt with separately.
PD Sully supported the operation by searching vehicles and patrolling the taxi ranks. This led to nine drug searches involving members of the public.
Two men were found to be in possession of cannabis, with one of the men being arrested after also being found in possession of a knife. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Cabinet member for community safety and enforcement, Cllr Connie Nolan, said: “Taxi drivers hold a significant position of trust within the community, often transporting vulnerable individuals and operating late at night when some people might be a little worse for wear.
“This operation was about ensuring our drivers meet all their legal, licensing and safety obligations. And on the whole, it is an industry that operates professionally and to a high standard within our district.
“Where issues were found, our officers and police colleagues did not hesitate to take appropriate action to keep the public safe and make sure those high standards are maintained.
“And we have had very positive feedback from the trade, who appreciated why we were doing this. The many drivers who provide such an excellent service to the public were pleased to see us tackling those who are falling short.”
Kent Police Licensing Officer, PC Danielle Rolfe, said: “Whilst a vast majority of taxi drivers in the city provide a good service, it is essential that they fully understand their responsibilities and follow best practice in relation to the safeguarding of their customers.
“Kent Police will continue to work closely with local partners on operations like this to improve safety measures and to ensure businesses are operating at the highest standards.”
Published: 1 April 2026