Taxi Driver Online

Five cabbies are taken off the road

Five taxi drivers have been suspended temporarily after a three-month operation to improve safety and travel standards in Hyndburn’s taxis.

The five received the temporary suspensions for persistently breaching regulations.

More than 50 warning notices were given to drivers for offences including failing to wear the drivers badge, not displaying mandatory signs and for having no fire extinguisher or first aid kit.

More than 30 drivers were given £60 fixed penalty notices for contravening no entry areas, using a mobile phone while driving, failing to wear a seatbelt and speeding.

Five drivers were summoned to court for having dangerous vehicle parts and for plying for hire.

Police officers joined forces with Hyndburn Borough Council’s licensing team to carry out random checks on taxis in Operation El Rider.

Sergeant Simon Lynch said: "There are over 420 licensed taxis in Hyndburn, most of which are operated and driven properly and by drivers who take great care of their passengers. Unfortunately there are some who are less stringent in their standards and it is these who we are targeting."

Sgt Lynch worked with licensing officer Alan Goulden, stopping drivers who were committing road traffic offences. Mr Goulden would then carry out the licensing checks, resulting in the discoveries that led to the suspensions.

Sgt Lynch said: "The whole basis is public safety, we want the public to know they are getting into complete, whole, undamaged, clean, safe vehicles.

"It’s damaging to the taxi business as a whole to have unroadworthy vehicles operating. We have seen improvements, but we’re only stopping a small percentage of taxis.

"At the moment it’s an area of public importance and one we thought we could do something about and we’re being quite effective."

Operation El Rider is ongoing and police are appealing to anyone with information to contact them on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


http://menmedia.co.uk/manchesterevening ... f_the_road