Dozens of taxis and private hire vehicles have been stopped by police this week as part of an ongoing road safety campaign.
More than 30 vehicles were checked on Tuesday and Wednesday across Easter Ross and Inverness to ensure drivers were operating within the terms of their licence and their vehicles are roadworthy.
One vehicle was found to be driven without insurance as officers also identified issues relating to unsafe tyres.
Sergeant Chris Murray, from the Road Policing Unit in Dingwall, said: “It is important that the public can have faith that professional drivers are going about their business safely and legally.
“The vast majority of taxi and private hire drivers operate safely within the terms of their licence.
“However, where issues are found we will take enforcement action.
“I would take the opportunity to thank the taxi trade for their support and co-operation with this operation.”
The operation was brought by the force in collaboration with the Highland Council Trading Standards.
Mark McGinty, Trading Standards Team Leader added: “Trading Standards and Police Scotland have a joint responsibility when it comes to the licensing of taxi and private hire traders, this relates to both licensed and unlicensed trading.
“Following reports received this joint operation has brought officers from both agencies together to conduct vehicle stops and checks have been made to ascertain if the legislation is being complied with, and enforcement action has been taken.
“Members of the public should be reassured that taking a taxi or private hire in the Highland Council area is a safe thing to do, and that ongoing checks are in place to detect either unlicensed trading or breaches of trading conditions where a licence has already been granted.
“Trading Standards will continue to work jointly with Police Scotland in this area.”
