Potholes and bumps damaging vehicles, claim cabbies
Blackpool taxi drivers highlight one of the potholes on The Promenade.
TAXI drivers are hitting back at the state of Blackpool's roads.
The scathing response comes after a police and town hall operation targeted limos and cabs in the resort.
On one Friday night, only two of 18 vehicles pulled over by officers were found to be roadworthy.
But taxi bosses have hit back, saying many problems were with suspension, which they claim were caused by the terrible roads in Blackpool.
Drivers say potholes and poor surfaces are ruining their vehicles.
Bill Lewtas, secretary of the Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operators Association (BLTOA), said: "The recent late night Friday inspection did reveal some suspension parts are failing, often soon after being replaced.
"Clearly this is due to the state of the roads, hundreds of which are riddled with potholes and crumbling Tarmac.
"On top of that, far too many speed humps have faded paint warning markings or no warning markings at all."
The operation took place on September 11 when lots of
vehicles were on the streets for the Illuminations and World Firework Championships.
The catalogue of safety flaws found by inspectors included faulty brakes and steering, as well as dangerous parts.
Four vehicles had to be removed from the road immediately.
Tim Coglan, Blackpool Council's head of quality standards, said: "The fact of the matter is these four taxis weren't roadworthy and therefore should not be transporting people.
"Poor suspension was just one the many problems the cars had. Taxis operating with brake, steering and suspension problems have been identified before they cause an accident."
Insp Phil Cottam, of Lancashire Police, added: "If a vehicle is so dangerously defective it has to be immediately prohibited from the road then we will take it away to a police garage until such arrangements can be made to put it safely back on the road.
"It's important any operator of a taxi or private hire vehicle ensures that their vehicle is safe to be on the road so they do not have the inconvenience of being out of action for a
period of time."
