Taxi Driver Online

Taxis found to have "dangerous defects"
By Local London Reporter
ALMOST one third of hackney carriages and private hire vehicles in Watford were found to have "dangerous defects" an inspection has revealed.

Ten cars were randomly checked in a joint operation between Watford Borough Council and the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

Three of the licensees were issued with prohibition notices preventing them from trading until faults found were rectified.

During inspections, officers can issue either immediate or deferred prohibition notices where dangerous defects are found.

The two kinds of fault recognised were bald tyres and unsecured fire extinguishers, both of which were dealt with there and then by the drivers.

No more serious faults were found in any of the licensed vehicles tested and the council have praised the owners for the standard of their automobiles.

Vehicles undergo an annual mechanical inspection before being licensed, which is stricter than a normal MOT test, but may be called in for inspection on up to two other occasions during the year and stopped for spot checks.

Chair of the licensing committee, Councillor Rabi Martins, said: "This evidence clearly shows that the trade is by and large working within the high standards we require of them.

"Our officers will continue to be vigilant in monitoring and enforcing licence conditions set down by the council, in order that the public can be confident when using licensed vehicles."

Licensing team leader, Jeffrey Leib, said: "We were pleased with the high standards of the vehicles we checked, and hope that all licensed drivers in the borough will continue to maintain such a positive image of their profession."

"Licensing is about ensuring public safety, and the drivers we spoke to during this operation are obviously demonstrating their commitment towards that goal."


9:58am Thursday 28th July 2005

Must be why the DfT's 'best practice' guidance states that annual checks are adequate

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Taxi Driver Online
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Sure that wasn't Alistair Cambell speaking

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Taxi Driver Online
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