Taxi Driver Online

Burnley Express

June 24, 2007

Unsafe vehicles taken off road in police swoop

THREE unsafe vehicles used to take children to school were taken off the road in a police clampdown.

In the two-day operation this month 31 mini buses, coaches and taxis were targeted and eight prohibition notices issued.

The clampdown, Operation Coachman 2, was carried out by the Road Policing Unit.

PS Martin Bishop said: "Out of the 31 vehicles checked, eight prohibition notices were issued and three had to be taken off the road immediately. One vehicle was found without tax and five vehicles where issued with vehicle defect reports for minor faults.

"Overall, we were pleased with the obvious improvement by the bus companies, but worryingly it was the taxis that caused us concern. Six were issued with prohibition notices in one day. There were other issues from the taxis, from not wearing identity badges to not carrying fire extinguishers and first aid kits, which are basic requirements.

"The details were passed to the Taxi Enforcement Officer and a follow-up operation to address these issues will take place in the near future."

The latest operation follows on from the success of the first Operation Coachman in May. This resulted in 15 vehicles being checked and four of them being issued with prohibition notices and immediately taken off the road. Another four were given advisory notices for minor faults.
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