A joint operation to check on South Gloucestershire registered taxis took place on Saturday 12 December.
The operation was carried out by South Gloucestershire Council licensing enforcement officers, Avon and Somerset Road Policing Unit and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).
Designed to protect taxi users over the busy Christmas season, the operation included checks on tax, vehicle insurance, tyres, lights, seat belts, tinted windows and any other area which gave cause for concern.
A total of 17 taxis were stopped. Of these, six were found to have faults serious enough for prohibition notices to be served by VOSA for infringements including illegal tyres, defective seat belts and lights which did not work.
The drivers of four vehicles were advised that their taxis were on the borderline of legal requirements and seven were found to be satisfactory.
Cllr Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, said: “Many South Gloucestershire residents will be using a taxi this festive season so it’s essential that these vehicles comply with all legal requirements governing their use. Public safety is of paramount importance, so we will not hesitate to take action when taxi operators fail to maintain their vehicles properly.”
Mark Pullin, trading standards and licensing manager, said: “The operation was an excellent example of successful joint working between the council and its partner agencies.
“Joint operations such as this demonstrate that we are determined to ensure that local taxi operators adhere to the highest standards in order to protect the public.”
Police motorcyclists identified licensed South Gloucestershire vehicles and escorted them to Kingswood Civic Centre, where they underwent mechanical checks by VOSA and additional checks with the licensing officers.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
