Sounds like the cars must have been on the ramps rather than just roadside checks, but not entirely clear
But which may explain why most of them require retesting. And, as per usual, maybe they targetted dodgy looking cars for the tests, which may mean the failure rate was higher than would have been the case for the whole trade
Unsafe taxis taken off the road as inspectors uncover serious defects
https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/ne ... rs-6291678
One cab that was pulled over was being driven round with a nail in its tyre
A late-night taxi operation has seen cabs taken off the road for safety concerns in the run up to festive celebrations.
The first taxi had one defect in that its break pads worn below the legal limit.
However, the second taxi had four - a tyre out of shape; a nail in a tyre which, was worn close to the legal limit; its anti-roll bar link arm (part of suspension) worn excessively; and its rear spring arm control bush (also part of the suspension) excessively worn.
Licensing officers from North West Leicestershire District Council, with the support of Leicestershire Police, carried out spot checks on 11 private hire and hackney cabs across Ashby and Coalville over the weekend to ensure vehicles are safe.
The night-time operation saw officers complete rigorous tests, like an MOT, on the taxis to make sure they are roadworthy and keep passengers safe.
The operation resulted in three with no defects, one advisory and seven in need of retesting, including the two with serious safety concerns.
The licensing plates have been temporarily removed from the taxis with serious safety defects while they are made safe. Once defects are repaired a total of seven taxis will be retested to ensure they are road legal.
The operation was completed in addition to regular vehicle checks; taxis up to six years old are annually inspected by the licensing team, while older vehicles are tested every six months to ensure they are safe.
The spot-check event was the first completed by the North West Leicestershire Safety Partnership since 2019, although officers have continued to maintain strict safety standards through regular testing.
Councillor Andrew Woodman, chairman of the Safety Partnership, said: “When you’re planning a night out or party you want to know that the taxi you’re using is safe and roadworthy.
“The majority of the vehicles inspected during the operation were in great condition or had minor defects, but it’s reassuring to know the two with serious safety concerns have been taken off the road so the drivers can bring them back up to standard.
“We take public safety seriously and this operation in the run up to Christmas is on top of our regular taxi testing programme.”
