Taxi Driver Online

Nothing much in terms of specifics here, but I wondered if the Wakefield Express had maybe overdone things in terms of 'serious breaches' meaning a missing fire extinguisher and bulbs out

But it's actually as per the original council news release

So, basically, the checked 26 cars and didn't find much

(Hence my sarky thread title...)


Taxi checks ensuring public safety

Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police has carried out a joint operation to ensure public safety and uphold taxi licensing standards across the district.

A total of 26 vehicles were inspected during the day of action (12 May) in Ossett and Stanley.

Five vehicles were suspended for serious breaches of licensing regulations, including not having a fire extinguisher and lights not working. And four drivers will receive formal warnings for failing to display their identification licence badges.

“These operations reflect our continued commitment to public safety and the enforcement of licensing standards.

“Passengers’ safety must always come first. Whilst we know that the vast majority of vehicles we licence are in good condition we are determined to ensure that the minority that aren’t are tackled."

Cllr Daniel Wilton
Cabinet Member for Communities

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and legality of licensed vehicles operating in the district.

Joint partnership checks are now taking place on a weekly basis across the district. Taxis from all areas are subject to inspection by police and enforcement officers.

PC Simon Lovidge, from Wakefield North West NPT, said: “The operation held with partners was a success, and not only did we prosecute people committing offences, but we also educated vehicle users around the law and their responsibilities. This not only keeps road users safe, but also ensures people are operating businesses in accordance with the correct rules and regulations. We will be carrying out more operations in different areas of the Wakefield district in the coming months.”

And although the official press release headline is quite sober, the Wakefield Express rehash certainly isn't, and frames thing totally differently from the off.

But, I mean, bulbs and a fire extinguisher


Wakefield taxis: Five suspended for serious safety breaches during joint operation

https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/news ... on-5139868

A joint operation between Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police to inspect taxis across the district lead to five vehicles being suspended.

A total of 26 taxi vehicles were inspected during the day of action on May 12 in Ossett and Stanley, with five suspended for serious breaches of licensing regulations

The operation was held to ensure public safety and uphold taxi licensing standards across the district.

The five vehicles were suspended for serious breaches of licensing regulations, including not having a fire extinguisher and lights not working.

Four drivers will also receive formal warnings for failing to display their identification licence badges.

Coun Daniel Wilton, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “These operations reflect our continued commitment to public safety and the enforcement of licensing standards.

“Passengers’ safety must always come first. Whilst we know that the vast majority of vehicles we licence are in good condition we are determined to ensure that the minority that aren’t are tackled.”

Joint partnership checks are now taking place on a weekly basis across the district. Taxis from all areas are subject to inspection by police and enforcement officers.

PC Simon Lovidge, from Wakefield North West NPT, said: “The operation held with partners was a success, and not only did we prosecute people committing offences, but we also educated vehicle users around the law and their responsibilities.

"This not only keeps road users safe, but also ensures people are operating businesses in accordance with the correct rules and regulations.

"We will be carrying out more operations in different areas of the Wakefield district in the coming months.”

Of course, according to other authorities and those in the know, safety will actually be enhanced without the fire extinguiser