'Very serious problems' found in Derby cabs and taxis last night say police
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/d ... by-1946642
Vehicles have been taken off the road
Image: Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit
Derbyshire Police have said “very serious problems” were found when they inspected Derby taxis last night.
As part of their monthly checks on the city’s Hackney Carriage and private hire vehicles, Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit stops vehicles at random and assesses their condition.
Officers said that, although there were only “a few cabs left in the city” once word was out that the checks were taking place, they did find three that had large faults.
One private hire car was found to have a loose battery, a detached link for the anti-roll bar and sharp edges on the front wing exposed.
The hazard lights on this vehicle were also found to be turning off and on by themselves.
In another private hire vehicle, the handbrake was found to have no reverse travel in it and was performing poorly.
The front brake hose was rubbing on a suspension strut, exposing its core, which could affect brake performance.
In the third vehicle, a Hackney Carriage, there was evidence that the power steering fluid was leaking, causing it to be below the minimum level.
Both the front brake discs were corroded on their inside and outside.
For all of these vehicles, they had their license suspended and a prohibition notice was issued to them.
Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit said: “Our monthly #TaxiChecks with @DerbyCC Licencing and Enforcement produced some more shocking results last night.
“Again there were only a few cabs left in the city once word was out.
“Of those that remained and were found in order, thank you.”
Derby taxi firm 'shocked' at reports cabbies flee city when inspections happen
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/d ... ts-1949616
A spokesman for Chads Cars said its drivers should not be afraid to have vehicles inspected
A Derby taxi firm says it urges its drivers to be open with Derbyshire police and not leave the city when inspections are carried out.
Chads Cars commented after police claimed some city cabbies flee the area when they find out checks are being made.
Officers have said "very serious problems" were found when they inspected taxis in the city on Tuesday night.
As part of their monthly checks on the city's Hackney Carriage and private hire vehicles, Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit stops vehicles at random and assesses their condition.
Officers said that, once drivers were aware checks were taking place, there were only a "few cabs left in the city".
A spokesman for Chads Cars, a private hire firm based in Mansfield Road, which operates across the city, said he found that information shocking.
The spokesman said: "I was not aware drivers in Derby are leaving the city and avoiding the area once they are aware inspections are taking place.
"It shocks me to hear that and we are absolutely clear that our drivers should not do that and I don't believe they do.
"My message to our drivers would be 'don't be afraid to get checked'. As long as the checks are being carried out correctly there should not be anything to be worried about."
He said the firm's cars are checked and have not had problems.
He said once the company registers a new vehicle, it is on the road for a maximum time of 12 years.
According to the comments a lot of their cars are licensed in Erewash, so that could also be a factor.
