Taxi Driver Online

Bogus taxi driver taken off the roads




A BOGUS driver is now off the road following a joint enforcement exercise targeting unlicensed taxis and minibuses in the build up to the festive period. Officers from Middlesbrough Council’s licensing team, Cleveland Police and the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) stopped and examined a total of 26 vehicles during the exercise last weekend.

This resulted in the issuing of nine prohibition notices for defects including defective tyres, lights, brakes and seat belts.

Police officers posed as members of the public to identify unlicensed drivers, vehicles and operators.

They found five minibuses being operated without the relevant operator licence; two without the appropriate MOT; one driver without the appropriate PSV driver licence and several drivers were reported for failing to keep tachograph records and exceeding their driving hours.

Two vehicles were also found to be operating without insurance and the vehicles were subsequently confiscated by police.

Coun Barry Coppinger, the council’s executive member for community protection, said: "This sends out a strong warning to those operators who are putting members of the public at risk. We’ll continue to work with the police and VOSA to ensure public safety and provide a level playing field for those operators who are working within the law.

"As there is an increase in taxi and minibus use at this time of year I would also urge members of the public to be extra vigilant when using taxis in Middlesbrough this Christmas."

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

What is the betting that the driver will be back behind the wheel again this weekend safe in the knowlege that there wont be another check for months.

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Grandad,

Perhaps he was operating a self drive scam.

Or maybe will from now.

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IDFIMH

Very pleasing to see VOSA targeting minibuses.

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IDFIMH

We have a minibus operating around here. The chap is not licensed in any way shape or form and he is a council employee.

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Grandad,