Licensing officers from Reading have been taking part in a crack-down targeting taxis and private-hire cabs illegally taking passengers to Heathrow Airport .

Nearly 370 private-hire cars and Hackney carriages were stopped during the multi-agency operation. Action was taken against the drivers in 137 cases.

Two members of Reading Borough Council’s licensing team were joined by colleagues from other authorities including Slough and Portsmouth councils and Transport for London for the Heathrow Cab Enforcement Compliance Day co-ordinated by the Metropolitan Police on Thursday, May 19.

The operation takes place regularly to tackle the number of illegal taxi journeys made to Heathrow from nearby towns.

Officers randomly stopped 327 private-hire vehicles and 41 Hackney carriages during the six hour blitz at Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5 at the airport.

Fourteen summonses were issued for offences such as vehicles not being licensed, drivers having no licence or no insurance, defective tyres and no plates.

Two cars were seized, three fixed penalty notices issued and 120 operators were reported to their local authorities for offences including not wearing a badge, having a vehicle which did not meet regulations and smoking in the cab.


Councillor Paul Gittings, Reading’s lead member for culture, sport and consumer Services, said: “Thousands of taxis from surrounding boroughs descend on Heathrow Airport every day so it makes sense for local councils to work together on these operations.

“Providing transport to major airports can be a lucrative business so it’s important we do our best to ensure passengers are being carried in safe and legitimate vehicles.

“The number of offences discovered during this operation proves it is a worthwhile activity and I’m pleased officers from Reading borough played their part.”

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