One in five taxis ordered off road after spot checks in Bradford city centre

Eleven taxis were ordered off the road in Bradford as part of an operation to crack down on drivers whose vehicles are not roadworthy.

Random spot checks on taxis operating in Bradford city centre were carried out by police and others in an operation over the weekend as drivers were warned that anyone not operating within the law was potentially putting their passengers’ lives at risk.

A number of taxis were stopped and checked during the clampdown, with eleven immediately suspended by enforcement officers for a number of issues ranging from not having the correct documents to vehicle defects. In addition, a number of fixed penalty tickets were issued for offences including having insufficient tread on tyres.

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The operation also focused on other motorists, with two drivers given court summons, one for driving without a licence and the other for not wearing a seat belt.

On Saturday officers from the special constabulary joined forces with Bradford Council hackney carriage and private hire licensing officers.

They were supported by officers from the Bradford Roads Policing Unit and the local neighbourhood policing team.

Checkpoints were set up on Vicar Lane and on Westgate to ensure vehicles were fit for use and meeting the legal standards.

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A total of 53 taxis were stopped and checked during the day with eleven immediately suspended by enforcement officers. In addition, six drivers were also given advice by officers.

Gerry Slade, Bradford South Special Constabulary senior section officer, said it had been a successful operation.

He said: “On top of those suspended, a number of fixed penalty tickets were also issued as part of this operation.

“One driver received a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence for having defective tyres. Another was handed a defect rectification notice for having insufficient tread, allowing a period of time to have it fixed or face prosecution.

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“Of the drivers we stopped and spoke to, a majority of their vehicles were of good standard and happy to co-operate in the operation.

“It is imperative, however, that those who are not operating within the law are identified as they are potentially putting their passengers’ safety in jeopardy.

“These checks mean we can catch any defects on cars used for public transport early while ensuring that drivers are keeping to the terms of their licence.”

Sarah Acton, Bradford Special Constabulary acting section officer, said they also made 32 stop checks on general motorists in the city.

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“One vehicle was seized for driving without a licence and the driver was summonsed to court. Another was summonsed to court for failing to wear a seat belt.

“Various fixed penalty tickets were issued for those driving with faulty tyres and lights. Others were handed tickets for driving whilst being on a mobile phone and for not wearing seat belts. Each of these carries a fine of £60 and a three licence points.

“This is an example of the good partnership work between the council and the police and underlines our efforts to ensure taxis and private hire vehicles are safe for all those who use them.”

Last week another operation to tackle the illegal use of Bradford’s roads saw ten vehicles seized in one day for having no insurance.

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Traffic officers joined partners from the Vehicle Operators Service Agency (Vosa), Taxi Licensing and HM Courts during a 24-hour clampdown on Wednesday on Ingleby Road while patrol cars focused on the Manningham and Girlington areas.

Ten vehicles were seized for having no insurance. The majority received an on-the-spot fine of £200 and six points on their licence. One driver also had no licence and was summonsed to court.

After last week’s clampdown police said a number of other operations were planned.