FAULTY lights and balding tyres on taxis resulted in drivers being issued with immediate suspension notices.
The vehicle defects were picked up during two taxi licensing enforcement operations by the council undertaken alongside vehicle examiners.
Council enforcement officer Debbie Bailey gave an update on the results of the operations to councillors at the general licensing regulatory board meeting last Tuesday.
She said 38 vehicles were checked at an operation at Springwell school in Athersley which resulted in five being given immediate suspension notices and others given advice.
“The five suspension notices were for a misshapen rear tyre, inoperative side lights, inoperative and damaged brake lights, inoperative number plate lights and a tyre below the limit.
“Others received advice for things like cleanliness and a couple of tyres close to the limit, so on the whole not too bad.
“At the same inspection one driver received a written warning that was for falsifying the required daily check sheet and that was relating to the illegal tyre.”
A second operation was carried out involving smaller ‘one man band’ taxi operators which involved visiting some at their home address.
“The total number of vehicles checked was eight and four were found to be complaint and four were issued with immediate suspension notices for defects such as tyres being under the limit (by 2mm) inoperative side lights, brake lights and number plate lights. Advice was also given for a trip hazard, which was part of a carpet had come away and was rectified immediately.”
One driver was also issued with a written warning for failing to complete a daily inspection book.
Chairman of the board, Coun Charlie Wraith, made the point that it was important for drivers to carry things such as spare bulbs in their vehicles.
He said: “We have been banging the drum on this for ages - carry a pack of bulbs with you and if you’re stopped by officers you can change it and you are back on the road.”
Councillors were told that vehicle compliance is an issue officers are concerned with during every enforcement operation and defective taxis are not acceptable and cannot be excused, coupled with failing to complete basic vehicle inspection sheets.
Ms Bailey said the operations will continue on a quarterly basis and are being pulled together with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, police and Customs and Excise.
In addition to actively checking for driver and vehicle compliance as part of roadside checks, enforcement officers also carry out investigations into allegations of illegal drivers operating in the borough.
