Taxi Driver Online

Taxi clampdown in Taunton

TAXI firms have been warned to keep their cabs up to standard after almost a third of 45 vehicles stopped in and around Taunton failed an inspection test.

Taunton Deane Council licensing officers, with police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, suspended four cabs and issued nine rectification notices.

The taxis were stopped after the school run and ordered to checks by inspectors at VOSA’s testing centre at Norton Fitzwarren.

The suspensions – which were lifted later the same day after repairs had been carried out – were for two unsealed meters, faulty brake lights and a missing clutch pedal rubber.

The rectification notices were for minor accident damage, missing ‘No Smoking’ signs, poor cleanliness, missing first aid kit, a bent track rod end and faulty windscreen washers.

Cllr Tim Slattery, Deane executive councillor for environmental services, said: “The law and licensing processes are in place to protect the public from the use of vehicles that could be unsafe and unfit.

“The message is that anyone putting public safety at risk will be removed from the road and stopped from continuing their business until safety is ensured.

“Taxi operators are advised to take note that the council places a high regard on protecting the public and these ongoing operations will increase in the run-up to Christmas.”

Mike Davies, director of the town’s largest taxi firm A1 Apex, said he welcomed the checks.

“Anything that gives the public confidence in the taxi firm that they choose has to be a good thing,” added Mr Davies.

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IDFIMH

Desperately trying to justify the cost of the operator methinks.

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IDFIMH