TAXIS were taken off the road in Newquay following a joint operation carried out by the police and Cornwall Council ahead of Boardmasters.

Cornwall Council's taxi licensing officers and the Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing Team suspended the licence of six taxis after stopping 35 taxi drivers. One taxi was in such a poor condition police issued an immediate ban on its use.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “Our Roads Policing Team has conducted a joint operation alongside Cornwall Council recently in relation to taxis operating in the Newquay area. A total of 35 taxis were stopped during the operation, and the vast majority were compliant and in good order.

“However, six taxis had their licences suspended by Cornwall Council, and one taxi was in such a poor condition Police issued an immediate prohibition of its use.

“In addition, one taxi driver was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He was not charged.

“We appreciate there are concerns over the timing of the operation, however checks in the lead up to Boardmasters and large events are vital to ensure the safety of the large numbers of passengers that will be using the taxis.

“A taxi owner has stated that vehicles are already subject to stringent testing. A vehicle is only as good as the day it was tested, and vehicles can deteriorate between tests.

“Our priority has always been the safety of taxi passengers and other road users over Boardmasters week.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council added: “Our licensing compliance team and Devon and Cornwall police carry out checks on taxis and private hire vehicles at various times and locations throughout the year. These checks help ensure that these vehicles meet the required safety standards.

“Inspections were carried out in the Newquay area last week. As a result, four defect notices and six suspension notices were issued.

“Taxi drivers and private hire vehicle drivers should ensure their vehicles meet the required safety standards at all times of year, particularly ahead of busy periods when they will be in high demand.”

But Coastal Taxis Newquay believes it is unfair the operation was carried out ahead of the lucrative surf and music festival.

A spokesperson for Coastal Taxis Newquay said: “With Boardmasters, I'm struggling to understand the timing of the enforcement activity being carried out by Cornwall Council and the police.

“Local licensed taxi drivers spend all year providing a service to residents and visitors alike, and Boardmasters is one of the few opportunities to recover some of the quieter periods.

“At the same time, there appear to be large numbers of out-of-area private hire vehicles operating in and around Newquay during the festival. It raises the question of whether enforcement is being applied consistently across everyone providing transport services.

“Nobody is arguing against vehicle safety or proper enforcement. We all want safe vehicles on the road. But surely common sense and proportionality should play a part, especially when the consequences affect local drivers, local businesses and thousands of festivalgoers relying on transport.”