A&M Taxis in Pontardawe has council contract cancelled following complaint



A TAXI firm has had its contract with Neath Port Talbot Council cancelled following concerns raised by parents whose son uses it to get to school every day.

Andy and Bethan Carter made a complaint about Pontardawe firm A&M Taxis that was taking their son Mark to Maes y Coed Special School in Neath.

As the 10-year-old has severe autism, uncontrollable epilepsy and behavioural problems, he is required to have a taxi ride on his own with an escort each day.

But Mr and Mrs Carter, from Vivian Park Drive in Sandfields, had concerns related to the safety of the vehicle used for the service and contacted Neath Port Talbot Council.

In response, the council said it had investigated and subsequently cancelled the operator's contract.

The taxi firm said it did not wish to comment.

Mr Carter said: "I didn't want him to go to school in the taxi but he has got a good school record and I had no choice.

"I was concerned for his safety. This minibus has been used lots and lots of times."

Seriously

The council's head of engineering and transport David Griffiths said: "The council has investigated the recent complaint and as a result, the operator's contract has been cancelled with immediate effect.

"A new service provider has been put in place.

"The council takes matters of this nature very seriously and has over recent weeks undertaken multi-agency safety checks on operators in the county.

"We will continue to monitor the services provided in the interest of the safety of all users and the wider travelling public."


Read more: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/amp-M ... z2TOhejCrA