Taxi Driver Online

Passengers worry about safety risk as checks on taxis in Milton Keynes are suspended

Taxis and private hire cabs all over MK are not having their usual safety checks by MK Council, it has been revealed.

The news came to light after one couple ordered a cab and noticed it had completely bald tyres.

They refused to get in it, and complained to Milton Keynes Council, which is responsible for ensuring all taxis in the city are legal and safe.

Normally routine checks are carried out every six months by the council's taxi department,

But for the past five months, since lockdown began, these checks have been abandoned.

One passenger said: "My taxi driver said the council is refusing to check the vehicles and renew his plating due to Covid. His licence expired on June but he was still allowed to drive. He said some vehicles will not have been tested for almost a year now."

She added: "Surely public safety is at more imminent risk in dangerous vehicles than Covid? If taxi drivers can't be checked due to fears they will transmit the virus, then the council are putting people at double risk."

A spokesman for MK Council told the Citizen: "To protect both licence holders and staff, our vehicle testing service remains closed due to Covid-19.

"Ensuring safety is our number one priority and we are continuing to check each licensed vehicle has a valid MOT certificate to prove that the vehicles are safe. Council staff are also out to enforce taxi patrolling with regular roadside inspections of licensed vehicles."

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IDFIMH

Must have been bad if it was actually the customers who noticed them - hardly unknown to read of roadside checks finding bald tyres, but never actually the customers complaining

Should have called the police with the vehicle reg or licence plate.

Is the correct answer.

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IDFIMH

Maybe they were in a hurry

But anyone can report an incident or crime online in the comfort of their own homes.

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IDFIMH

Yes, but how many of us have thought that in the heat of the moment, but in the cold light of day...or in the comfort of our own homes??

Actually, my point was made on the basis that they took the cab because they were in a hurry, but in fact they actually declined the car.

But if they're anything like me they'd avoid contacting the police at all costs, so maybe decided the leave it to MKDC.

Very few, but this person has, it appears, contacted the council to complain.

The online complaint to the police is just as quick if not easier.

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IDFIMH