Taxi Driver Online

‘It’s important people using taxis can feel confident they are safe’ - taxi checks carried out in Hull

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hu ... is-9463862

Safety checks have been carried out on a number of taxis and Hackney carriages in Hull.

Hull City Council, Wolverhampton Council and Humberside Police teamed up to conduct the inspections with joint checks by licensing compliance teams carried out several times in recent months, the most recent taking place on July 24. Taxis are stopped at random and thoroughly inspected, with checks carried out on vehicles as well as driver documentation.

A number of taxis licensed in Wolverhampton choose to operate in Hull, which is permitted by licensing requirements and conditions. In the latest day of action, a total of 36 vehicles were inspected, catching a number of defects, from broken seating trims, to more serious issues including a nail embedded in a tyre, a faulty door lock which prevented customers entering the vehicle and two drivers failing to display their badges properly.

Inspectors found the majority of vehicles from both authority areas were fully compliant, however. In most cases, drivers are given seven days to rectify any issues, but in the case of more serious defects, vehicles are immediately suspended.

The suspension is only lifted when the issue has been fixed. Joint operations will continue on a regular basis for the foreseeable future.

Cllr Mark Ieronimo, whose portfolio in Hull includes licensing, said: “It’s important people using taxis can feel confident they are safe with both the vehicle and driver. Spot checks are a great way to make sure anyone operating a taxi in Hull is following all the relevant laws and regulations.

“We can help reduce risk to passengers – particularly those who are vulnerable – by making sure drivers have all the necessary documentation, and identify any unlicensed drivers. Customers can help ensure their own safety by only using reputable companies and apps when booking a private hire vehicle, or using a clearly identifiable hackney carriage.

“All licensed drivers should be wearing photographic identification and have their vehicle licence number displayed on the vehicle.”

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