Taxi Driver Online

Alarm raised over unfit taxis

NEARLY half of all taxis in Dumfries are not fit to be on the road. The news shocked councillors who are concerned that passengers’ lives are being put at risk by faulty vehicles.

Police figures released at Nithsdale Area Regulatory Committee meeting on Wednesday night showed that 43 percent of taxis and private hire cars stopped, failed road safety inspections. The checks were carried out by police on August 21 and the cars that failed were banned from the road until repairs were made.

Dumfries Councillor David McKie said he was “alarmed” at the figures, and called for tougher measures to be put in place so that taxis are up to an acceptable standard to carry passengers.

He added: “We really have to address the issue about these cars not being fit for purpose. I am extremely alarmed that 43 per cent of taxis failed their inspection and were issued with prohibition orders.

“I think it needs to be drawn to the attention of the licensing board because we have to think about the safety of the passengers. “So many operators don’t supply cars now. They hire drivers and their cars and give them a radio and then let them loose. “There doesn’t seem to be the same control.”

Upper Nithsdale Councillor Jim Dempster said every councillor across the region should be concerned by the figures. “We need to have a campaign targeting taxi operators to check their suitability, and that their vehicles are up to standard and fit for purpose to carry passengers.

“It was a random sample of vehicles stopped that day so the statistics suggest that over a year the figure would be the same. It really isn’t acceptable that so many taxis have defects.”

A Dumfries and Galloway Council spokeswoman said: “Vehicles must be tested and inspected at an approved testing station to ensure that they are mechanically fit, safe and comfortable. The licensing board will be advising Nithsdale Area Committee how often they have to be inspected to address their concerns.”

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IDFIMH

Do we have anyone from this manor on here?
Nearest I can think of is Skippy, he's next door in Scottish Borders council.

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

Near enough for me, guilt by location.

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IDFIMH

we all know what these enforment officers are like
probably 40% of the fails were minor faults bulbs out etc.
without knowing what they failed on stats are just stats.
and they can be manipulated to look really good or really bad even if there not if you see what i meen

Whole thing is a laugh.


So company cars are now considered safer than owner driver ones? wrong, an owner treats his possesion with respect and care, a company driver does not.

Faults are probably a mix of tyres,bulbs and suspension parts, although I can't see the police issuing anything for a bulb as they don't tell you when they are going to blow, so there must be good reason for the ban orders.

And finally, how can you pay for repairs if you aren't earning enough, that's not an excuse but I defy anyone to say they wouldn't run a tyre longer than they should if it meant their family could eat, or they could avoid court action for unpaid bills.

Doom, Any driver who does not check and change there tyres when they are due, is a total d_ickhead and is no only putting there lives at risk but the punters and other road users as well, if they cannot afford to replace them when they are due they should not be driving taxis or PH period

We now have a 7 year age limit on all taxis and PH in the Borders, but if the cab is in its 7Th year you can get a 3 year extension I wonder if D&G could do likewise
Perhaps the enforcement is lacking our taxi inspector checks all vehicles very regularly, he even had VOSA out with him last week to check things under the cars, no one was put off the road and no warnings for bulbs or minor things given

How long does it take to do a quick check of the vehicle before you start your shift

Depends on the length of your cab obviously

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin