Cornwall Council suspends taxi licences ahead of Boardmasters festival

Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council carried out a joint operation in Newquay before the Boardmasters surf and music festival. Inspectors stopped 35 taxis, suspended the licences of six vehicles and issued an immediate prohibition on one taxi deemed in poor condition. One driver was arrested on suspicion of drink‑driving but was not charged.

Council and police officials said the checks were necessary to ensure passenger safety during the busy festival week. Taxi operators, including Coastal Taxis, argued the timing was unfair, saying the action reduced the number of licensed taxis available for locals and festival‑goers and hurt drivers’ earnings at the peak period.

The operation also highlighted concerns about private‑hire vehicles operating in the area, with industry representatives questioning whether enforcement was applied consistently across all transport providers.