Exclusive: Glasgow Black Cabs Withdrawn From Road Over Explosion Fears
3rd October 2008
Black cabs in Scotland's biggest fleet have been taken off the road amid fears they could explode.
Glasgow City Council have removed 44 of the latest TX4 cars after some in other parts of the UK suddenly burst into flames.
It's feared there is a potentially deadly fault with the TX4s and the manufacturers, London Taxis International, have yet to provide assurances over their safety.
It is believed up to 20 cabs have "exploded" nationwide. Drivers and passengers have had just seconds to escape the burning vehicles.
Authorities in London and Manchester had already decided to take the TX4s off the road before Glasgow council chiefs took action.
Some Glasgow cabbies were working when they received text messages with the banning order.
One said: "I got a text telling me I was to get off the road immediately. I was taking a fare at the time.
"I don't know how long it will take to get the fault fixed or to get back driving again. This will kill my livelihood.
"I knew there was a problem which led to fires down south but the situation has obviously been upgraded to a red alert."
The Taxi Owners Association had initially granted drivers time to get their cars checked out under the manufacturers' recall. But it was decided the risk was too great.
The decision to ban the cabs was made by Glasgow's licensing committee on Wednesday.
It relates to TX4 models with a "56" number plate.
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "Despite many attempts to get assurances from the manufacturers that the taxis are being made safe, they have either been unwilling or unable to do so.
"As far as we are aware, no licensed taxis in Glasgow have been affected by an engine fire.
"But we can't take any chances with the safety of taxi drivers, passengers and other road users."
Last week, transport chiefs in London ordered the withdrawal of 600 suspect cabs.
It has been claimed that cabs' rear doors lock automatically when fire breaks out, potentially leaving passengers trapped.
Just after the London ban, a TX4 caught fire near Regent's Park.
The driver, a man in his fifties, only just escaped in time. A witness said: "I drove past just as the cab was a huge ball of flames."
London Taxis International are believed to be investigating the problems but no one from the firm was available to comment yesterday.
Source; Daily Record
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