Taxi Driver Online

Aberdeen Press and Journal

November 30, 2006 Thursday

HEADLINE: Two taxis put off the road after failing pre-festive check

BYLINE: Caroline Brodie

Two taxis were put off the road in Aberdeen during a pre-festive crackdown on unroadworthy taxis and private hire vehicles.

The operation, co-ordinated by Grampian Police and Aberdeen City Council's taxi inspection centre, took place in the city between 4pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday. Sergeant Jacky Davidson, taxi inspector for the force, said it was disappointing that two out of 20 vehicles checked had required to be immediately banned from being used as taxis.

Of the remaining vehicles, nine drivers were found to have no defects and a total of 16 offences were detected in the others, ranging from lighting defects to not carrying a first aid kit or fire extinguisher, or the driver not having his ID badge.

Nine of the drivers were also advised about minor defects and tyres nearing the legal limit. Sgt Davidson added: "At this time of the year, we are encouraging party-goers to leave the car behind and take a taxi.

"Therefore it is important that these vehicles are safe and road worthy.

"It is apparent that a number of drivers and operators still require to be educated in order to maintain the required standards."Further pre-festive taxi checks will be carried out in the force area in the near future.
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