Taxis prove to be in top rank
SOUTH Tyneside's taxi drivers are running at a high standard, according to the latest inspection.
A total of 36 vehicles and their drivers were stopped and checked during a two-night exercise in a joint operation between council licensing officers and police.
Two vehicles, licenced by the authority, were found to have minor vehicle defects. A further three vehicles from outside the borough were also found to have vehicle defects.
The drivers of two stretch limousines from outside the area, are also under further investigation for alleged licensing and insurance offences.
Coun Jim Perry, lead member for environment and transport, said: "Taxis provide a valuable service in South Tyneside, and are trusted to carry adults and children alike.
"The council is committed to maintaining high standards across the service, and carries out regular testing of taxi and private hire vehicles and drivers.
"These checks are very important in helping us make journeys as safe and as comfortable as possible for local residents, visitors to the borough and for the drivers themselves.
"These results demonstrate that borough taxi operators are providing a high quality service and level of safety."
Superintendent John Chappell, from South Tyneside Area Command, said: "The overwhelming majority of taxi drivers operating in South Tyneside abide by the law and offer a safe service to their passengers.
"However, we need to ensure that people who use taxis in good faith are getting into insured and roadworthy vehicles being driven by legitimate drivers.
"Operations such as this are aimed at identifying those vehicles and drivers that are flouting regulations, and ensuring they are dealt with appropriately.
"We will continue to join forces with South Tyneside Council to stop and check taxis to ensure they are complying with safety laws, and that passengers are safe in their vehicles."
Stretch limousines must be licenced to carry passengers for hire. Like taxis, they must have hire and reward insurance in order to provide a service to the public.
People are encouraged to check with limousine companies and ask whether they have the necessary licences and insurance in place before booking a vehicle.
They can also contact the council's licensing section on 424 7695 for further information or advice about the hiring of stretch limousines.
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Taxi ... 6668523.jp
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