Taxi Driver Online

THE standard of taxis in Newport needs to be improved councillors agreed yesterday, after a review found 33 percent of those tested last year failed to meet requirements.

The city council’s licensing committee heard how 472 out of 1302 private hire vehicles and hackney carriages tested between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009 failed vehicle tests carried out by Newport Transport.

These were for mechanical defaults such as problems with breaks and fuel leaks and for non-compliance with council requirements such as having no fire extinguisher and having documents including an MOT and vehicle registration certificates.

The taxis tested ranged from new vehicles to those up to 12 years old.

The committee heard vehicles under three years are tested yearly, whilst older vehicles are tested every six months. Spot checks are also carried out around three times a month by licensing officers.

Councillors expressed concern about the number of vehicles which failed the tests and said more needed to be done to ensure they were safe for customers.

Cllr Allan Morris, said: “Some of these vehicles are down right dangerous and we have to protect the people that sit in the back of them."

Cllr John Guy said: “It is a pity the minority are undermining the situation, when the majority are looking after their vehicles.”

Committee chairwoman, Cllr Margaret Cornelious, suggested the council should increase the frequency of tests to once every four months for all vehicles.

Members agreed a recommendation made by the council’s principal licensing officer that suggested improvements to the standard of licensed vehicles needed to be made.

The matter was referred to the cabinet committee, which must decided if the council will start a consultation with taxi drivers on how these improvements could be achieved.

source: http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Now didnt I predict something a few months back about what would happen in this area after the trade won in court?

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

When I was driving in Newport some years ago it was brought to the attention of the Council. Councillor Morris then had this attitude and I have it in writing.

I quote.

" As far as the age of a vehicle is concerned, as you say, every vehicle over three years old has to undergo a six monthly test to ensure that it is roadworthy and complies with other council conditions. Also, many vehicles are called in for random tests when there is doubt about their road worthiness. Many authorities do have an age limit for vehicles, but it is difficult to justify such a policy as it is difficult to say that just because a vehicle has reached a certain age that it becomes not suitable or dangerous, and this is especially true for "prestige" types vehicles. If this was the case , then one would have thought the government would have legislated as such for all vehicles, including private cars. If a vehicle is fit for its use,then it is fit.

In fairness to the apparent double standards of Councillor Morris the Ryder cup was not on the radar.

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if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.