Taxi safety drive sees over half fail checks

More than half of taxis inspected in a seaside resort have failed safety checks.

Of the 28 vehicles checked in Scarborough only 12 were given a clean bill of health – with police handing out notices over worn brake pads and tyres, oil leaks and damaged exhausts.

However, it is a vast improvement on a previous operation which saw one driver suspended, six delayed suspensions and seven cautions, plus two fixed penalty notices being issued.

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The spot-checks involved police and members of Scarborough Council, who teamed up in a bid to clamp down on unroadworthy taxis and private hire cars.

As well as focusing on defects, such as faulty headlights, illegal tires and worn handbrakes, icenses were checked to make sure drivers were falling in line with Government legislation.

Although the majority were found to be following the rules, one driver was found to be driving without wearing his badge and another failed to clearly display his photographic ID card.

This time none of the drivers were suspended, but one fixed penalty notice was issued and nine were cautioned for faults which needed “urgent attention”.

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Two Police Vehicle Defect Repair Notices (VDRN) were also handed out, which means the owner has to carry out the repair, have the MOT checked and hand paperwork back to police.

Coun Brian Watson, chairman of the licensing committee at Scarborough Council, said: “It’s always disappointing when any vehicles are identified with defects.

“I’m pleased with the way the operation has been conducted and I’m aware the vast majority of licensed drivers are very diligent and do ensure they are wearing their badges and checking their vehicles thoroughly before commencing work.

“While we still witnessed some unacceptable defects, the persons responsible will have been dealt with accordingly.”