City of London Police carried out a weekend crackdown in the City on the night of Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January to check the road worthiness of mini cabs, and drivers documents. Officers from the Vehicle Inspectorate and Immigration Service joined forces with City Police Officers from the Traffic Patrol Section, Snow Hill and Bishopsgate to carry out the checks.

In total 112 vehicles were stopped, with an alarming twenty two found to be in such a dangerous condition that they were immediatley prohibited from being be driven away.

Five drivers were arrested for immigration offences and one was arrested for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. There were a further nine prosecutions for minor vehicle offences and seven drivers were served notices to rectify defects found on their vehicles.

Inspector Keith Harrison, City of London Police Traffic Patrol Section, said, "There are still too many unfit and dangerous mini cabs in use. This operation demonstrates our continuing commitment to road policing and safety in the City.
Mini cabs drivers should note that we will be carrying out many more operations of this type over the coming months."

http://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/CityPolice/Media/News/NewsArchive/2003/minicabcrackdown.htm