A multi-agency daytime taxi-enforcement exercise took
place in Weston-super-Mare last Saturday (21 November
2009).
The operation involved officers from North Somerset Council’s
licensing team, the police and the Vehicle and Operator Services
Agency (VOSA).
A total of 26 taxis were stopped and inspected which involved
safety and general licensing checks of vehicles and drivers. The
checks made resulted in four taxis being stopped from operating as
licensed taxis due to mechanical defects. Defects found included
faulty braking systems, worn tyres and one vehicle with a fuel leak
in the engine compartment.
Three fixed penalty notices were issued by the police in
relation to the defects found and one for a private hire driver not
wearing a seat belt while driving the vehicle.
A number of other licensing infringements were found including
taxi drivers not wearing their identity badges which is a condition
of their licences.
Cllr Felicity Baker, North Somerset Council's executive member
whose portfolio includes licensing, said: "Overall the number of
defects found was broadly the same as found in previous enforcement
exercises. In view of this, our proactive licensing team will be
taking part in further enforcement exercises across North
Somerset.
"Drivers and owners of licensed vehicles must ensure that
vehicles are maintained to a high standard to ensure safe and legal
transport for fare-paying passengers. Safety must be of paramount
importance."