Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers targeted Licensing officers join police in crime crackdown



TAXI drivers who could be involved the town’s drug trade were also targeted in yesterday’s police crackdown.

Armed with a mobile drug testing machine, East Staffordshire Borough Council (ESBC) licensing officers joined police officers to test taxis for evidence of drug use.

Swabs were taken from steering wheels, doors and other areas of the vehicle which were then tested for banned substances.

In yesterday’s crackdown, 11 taxi drivers were checked.

East Staffordshire Borough Council will take enforcement action against three drivers who were found to be driving without valid insurance, MOT or road tax.

Taxi driver Muhammad Riza, who had two defective tyres and no valid MOT certificate, said the police operations would raise awareness about the risks of driving un-roadworthy vehicles.

He said: “It is good that the police do these checks.

“Hopefully I will get my car fixed and running again.”

Councillor Robert Hardwick, deputy leader for regulator services for ESBC said: “The initiative gave our enforcement team an opportunity to work alongside the police to continue our effective partnership working.

“Taking a pro-active approach to enforcing the licensable conditions of taxis and private-hire vehicles and their drivers, there were only a few issues of concern which will be dealt with in due course.”

http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Taxi-d ... 173423.htm

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

Of course one might think the council database would tell of uninsured vehicles - and vehicles without MOT's wouldn't they -presumably that's what they'd want you to think.

As for Muhammad - I think in most areas he'd be facing a suspension with possible revocation.

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

Or hopefully you wont.

_________________
IDFIMH

I'm saying nothing.

That's unusual for you and mostly what you say is informative and honest

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

The article doesn't say how many vehicles tested positive for drugs.

Considering something like 80% (?) of banknotes have traces of drugs on them anyone who handles contaminated notes is going to transfer traces onto their steering wheel, so just about everyones going to test positive !

I did like the title of the thread - I thought the boot was going to be on the other foot!

_________________
Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related