Joint taxi operation held with Trading Standards in Fort William 

Issued by Police Scotland

More than 25 taxis were stopped and checked in Fort William during a joint operation by Police Scotland and the Highland Council Trading Standards on Tuesday 23 July 23

During the checks, the drivers were required to provide the appropriate documentation and safety equipment to ensure that they were operating within the terms of their licence. 

Their vehicles were also checked for road worthiness and the relevant tax, insurance and MOT certificates.

As a result, a number of notices were issued to driver's in relation to not having the correct documents and others were given advice about ensuring they are running on the correct tariff. A number of driver's were also warned about the condition of their tyres on the vehicles and given suitable advice.

Constable Siobhan Sharkey, from the Road Policing Unit in Fort William said:  "During our day of checks and engaging with the taxi drivers, it was obvious that the vast majority of drivers do operate safely and within the terms of their licence. They were very co-operative.

"For the issues that were found, action will be taken and suitable advice given. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Highland Council Trading Standards for assisting us and also the taxi trade for their support and co-operation during this operation."

Mark McGinty, Trading Standards Team Leader, said: “Joint operations of this type are very useful. Not only do they provide minimum disruption to those going about their business but they provide an opportunity for a much wider range of requirements to be checked at the same time.  

"Although some infringements were found and will be dealt with, it is also encouraging from a business advice perspective, that a number of questions were asked and clarity was given by the officers involved.”