Taxi Driver Online

Dithering over our dodgy cabs

Friday 3 June 2011 13:00

More than half of the taxis operating in Aylesbury were found to be faulty when police organised a crackdown last week – yet a review of public vehicle licensing by Aylesbury Vale District Council is being postponed.

In a joint operation between Thames Valley Police and the council, nine out of 22 vehicles stopped in a four-hour period were found to have mechanical faults requiring an MOT and a further six had minor mechanical problems or were found committing road traffic offences.

Several have had their licences removed pending further investigation.

According to current AVDC guidelines, taxis and public services vehicles cannot not licensed if they are more than 10 years old.

Vehicles are currently inspected once per year by an AVDC-approved garage if under six years old and twice per year if older.

No vehicles aged more than 10 years are licensed for public use, with the possible exception of hackney carriages (black cabs) or low mileage vehicles used by disabled passengers.

Peter Seal, licensing services manager for AVDC said: “We are committed to reducing the age limit further."

“We wanted to reduce the age limits to four years for a minicab and eight years for a black cab in 2012, but this decision is now on hold because of the economic climate.”

Mr Seal denied that passengers are being put at risk by a delay in the licensing review.

“All vehicles are given a very thorough inspection by an approved garage."

“We will continue to work with the police if vehicles are found to be substandard.”

Sergeant Julie Daglish, who led the operation for Thames Valley Police, said: “Clearly, the evidence shows that there are a number of licensed vehicles which have quite serious defects."

“Consequently this sort of operation will become a regular occurrence until we can ensure that the public are safe on their journeys."

“I would urge all taxi drivers in Aylesbury Vale to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, not only for the safety of their customers, but to ensure they are able to carry on earning their living without falling foul of the law.”

Source; http://www.bucksherald.co.uk/news/local ... _1_2739061

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Brummie Cabbie.

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