Canterbury police and council officials recently joined forces for a high-visibility safeguarding operation at local taxi ranks, specifically designed to protect women and girls in the city.
On Friday, 27 March 2026, the Canterbury Community Safety Unit teamed up with the City Council’s Licensing Enforcement Team to conduct rigorous checks on drivers, focusing on both vehicle compliance and safeguarding awareness.
During the evening, officers engaged with 21 taxi drivers through a series of static and mobile stops. A primary goal of the initiative was to ensure that every driver is equipped to identify and report concerns related to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). To support this, each driver was issued a comprehensive safeguarding information pack intended to reinforce best practices and professional responsibilities when transporting vulnerable passengers.
The operation also targeted vehicle roadworthiness and criminal activity. Council licensing officers issued immediate license suspensions to two drivers found operating with bald tyres, while Kent Police issued corresponding Traffic Offence Reports for the dangerous defects. A vehicle search during the operation led to the seizure of two small, serrated knives.
To further ensure public safety, PD Sully, a specialist drugs dog, patrolled the taxi ranks at Canterbury Lane and St George’s Lane. These patrols resulted in nine drug searches among the public. Two men were found in possession of cannabis, one of whom was subsequently arrested after officers discovered he was also carrying a knife. The individual has since been released on bail pending further investigation.
Licensing Officer PC Daniell Rolfe said:
‘Whilst the 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.’
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.’