Taxi safety checks in Walsall reveal major improvement after 30 vehicles inspected

Taxi safety standards in Walsall have shown a major improvement after 30 licensed vehicles were stopped and inspected during a joint enforcement operation – with none taken off the road.

Officers from Walsall Council and Wolverhampton Council joined forces with West Midlands Police and Community Protection officers for the evening operation on September 25.

A total of 30 licensed vehicles were pulled over and inspected to ensure they met the required standards to carry passengers safely.

While minor defects were discovered, all were rectified on the night, with drivers returning to officers to confirm the problems had been addressed.

Police also ordered the removal of window tint from one vehicle, while another driver was reminded that they must wear their prescribed glasses when behind the wheel.

However, none of the vehicles inspected were suspended, marking a significant improvement compared with a similar operation in March 2025, when half of those checked were suspended over safety concerns.

Councillor Ian Benton, portfolio holder for street scene and enforcement at Walsall Council, said: "When people get into a licensed taxi, they should be able to trust that the vehicle meets the required standards and that passenger safety is being taken seriously.

"It was encouraging to see an improvement in overall compliance during this operation, with minor issues being put right on the night. Regular checks are an important part of making sure drivers understand their responsibilities and that problems are dealt with when they are found.

"We will continue working with neighbouring councils, West Midlands Police and our Community Protection team to carry out checks and take action where needed. These operations help protect passengers and support the drivers who maintain the right standards."

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, cabinet member for resident services at Wolverhampton Council, said: "Ensuring the safety of the travelling public is our highest priority, which is why our officers carry out regular enforcement activity across the country wherever our licensed drivers are working.

"We will continue to support councils such as Walsall in delivering compliance operations that help ensure licensed vehicles meet the standards expected of the trade.

"As part of this work, we also target illegal 'ghost plates' and use laser technology to check vehicles meet the legal minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6mm."

Joint enforcement operations will continue as part of efforts to maintain passenger safety and licensing standards across Walsall and the wider West Midlands.