Recent spot checks on taxis have found that 43% of those
inspected had some form of defect.
We joined forces with the Police and the Vehicle and
Operator Services Agency (VOSA) on Thursday (12 January)
In total 30 taxis were subjected to spot checks in the
Weston-super-Mare area and a number of defects were found. Three
taxis were ordered out of service for tyre, brake and taximeter
defects.
Of the 30 vehicles stopped, 13 (43%) had defects which included
bodywork damage, obscuration of the windscreen by satellite
navigation devices and missing or inadequate fire extinguishers.
Drivers of vehicles not ordered off the road were given advice on
complying with the required standards.
The checks have once again revealed a continuing trend of poor
vehicle maintenance by licensed vehicle operators.
Further checks will be made by the agencies involved to ensure
that the required safety standards are being maintained in licensed
vehicles.
Cllr Felicity Baker, executive member with responsibility for
licensing said the results were shocking.
"When we get in a taxi we should be confident that the vehicle
we are travelling in is road worthy and safe. These spot checks
show that this often isn't the case. We would urge licensed
operators to ensure their vehicles are in good condition and are
not posing a threat to people's safety."
