School prom stretch limo driver chargedPOLICE officers working with council officials checked a number of private hire vehicle in Basildon and Thurrock districts on Friday, July 12, to confirm their compliance with legislation.
A total of 86 taxis were checked with 62 having no compliance issues. Five taxis were found to have defective tyres and two of the drivers arranged immediate roadside replacements to allow them to continue working over the weekend.
One taxi checked had a number of mechanical faults, five did not have functioning fire extinguishers and there were a number of non-display of I.D badge issues which were rectified on the spot.
A taxi was taken off the road for a combination of mechanical faults including two rear seatbelts which were not working. The Basildon Council officer on scene in High Street, Wickford, removed his permit forcing him to stop work.
A check was also made at the site of a school prom at Ye Olde Plough House in Bulphan where one eight-seater stretch limousine was found with a driver who was unable to produce his taxi badge. He was reported for the offence and enquiries will be made with the local authority.
Pc Al Cuthbertson from the Commercial Vehicle Unit said: “This work highlights that public safety is a priority for both the police and local authorities and compliance is only achieved through enforcement.
“Taxi drivers will be reminded of their responsibilities to comply with the law at forthcoming interviews with licensing officers. Further checks are planned in the future.”
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/07/14/ ... r-charged/
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