Taxi Driver Online

These bods put down excessive air intake as one of the failure's for this Merc. I wonder how they will react it they ever have to test an FX4, for air intake? However if a car is past its sell by date its best to replace and it would seem this merc owner isn't going to get much joy out of the council. We know what they are going to say before they have said it. lol
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Aberdeen Press and Journal

October 11, 2006 Wednesday

HEADLINE: Concern at taxi man's renewed application

BYLINE: Cameron Brooks

The chief constable of Grampian Police has expressed concern that the owner of a taxi which has a history of defects has reapplied for an operating licence.

Colin McKerracher has highlighted to members of the city council's licensing committee that Michael Cole's blue Mercedes E220 has regularly failed routine inspections dating back to July last year.

Although the W-registered vehicle subsequently passed after repairs were carried out last September, it was checked over thoroughly by staff at the taxi inspection centre on July 7 this year and found to have 10 defects.

They included excessive air induction noise and lack of power from the engine, excess movement at the prop shaft and a bad oil leak.

Mr Cole, 48, of Burnbank Terrace, Aberdeen, presented his car for inspection again on August 11 but it failed because the front offside shock absorber was not secure at the top.

The vehicle was stripped of its roof plate and sign and taken off the road.

Mr Cole's renewal application was received by the council's licensing department on July 31.

In a letter to the council, roads policing inspector Keith Farquharson said the chief constable wished to draw attention to the taxi's enforcement record and inspection reports.

"Fare-paying passengers naturally expect that the taxi they are utilising is roadworthy," he added. "It is of concern that the vehicle defects are being discovered at routine inspections which the operator should know, through experience, are very thorough."

Police have also raised concerns about issuing a new licence to a elderly taxi driver in Aberdeen. John Wright, 76, of Cameron Street, failed a medical examination because he has a cataract in one of his eyes and may have to wait up to six months for a operation.

All taxi drivers who are over the age of 65 have to produce medical certificates stating that they are fit to drive before they are granted a licence. The licensing committee will consider both matters when it next meets on Monday, October 23.
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