Trading Standards rule out claims of MOT bribes among Birmingham taxis COUNCILLORS have been told that there is no evidence to support allegations that bribes were paid to ensure black cabs and private hire cars passed MoT tests in Birmingham.
Trading standards officers investigated claims that backhanders of up to £30 had been made in return for pass certificates at council-approved garages, one of the authority’s committees heard, as part of a process of examining the existing contract arrangements.
But the meeting was told no evidence had been found and the garages concerned absolutely denied any wrongdoing.
Birmingham’s head of licensing Chris Neville told the meeting: “Drivers and even a former employee have told officers about this behaviour but have not been willing to sign witness statements. The garages vehemently deny any wrongdoing.”
At present the council demands licensed hackney carriages and private hire cars undergo MoT tests, plus a supplementary test, at one of five approved garages in the city.
But it was claimed a number of unsuitable cars were found to have passed.
The council’s partnership and contract performance overview and scrutiny committee heard they included vehicles with tinted windows and tow bars, converted vans, cars which were too small and those which resembled black cabs – all prohibited under Birmingham’s licensing regulations.
Mr Neville said that, due to cutbacks, the Government agency VOSA was also finding it difficult to investigate MoT garages.
The current set of MoT contracts, worth a total of £1.8 million to the five garages, are up for renewal and committee members called for officers to consider bringing the tests back in house, as they were before 2008.
Coun Mike Leddy (Lab, Brandwood) said: “One in three vehicles fail the MoT, which is a huge amount.
“We should go back to the in-house service where the tests, but not the repairs, are carried out by the council.”
But Mr Neville ruled out a counter proposal, from Coun Philip Parkin (Con, Sutton New Hall) suggesting the tests were opened up to all garages and MoT testing stations.
He said it was important the council protected its reputation by controlling the testing of cabs.
The committee recommended the current taxi and minicab MoT contracts be renewed for two years while in-house and other options were considered.
Mohammed Taj, a representative of the Birmingham Black Cab Drivers Association, said: “I wouldn’t suggest the council take testing back in house because then you’re at the mercy of one testing station.
“In the past when it was done in-house we had to wait forever for an appointment.”
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