Taxis in Weston-super-Mare Being Driven with Faults

Police and partner agencies in Weston-super-Mare found a number of taxis being driven in the resort with faults during a series of spotchecks. 

They stopped 19 vehicles and carried out safety checks on taxis in the town on Friday December 9.

Three were ordered out of service for tyre and lighting defects and one had its taxi plates seized until defects were rectified.

One driver was given an endorsable fixed penalty notice for an illegal tyre, and another was given a non-endorsable fixed penalty notice for a seatbelt fault.

Six were given advisory notices for an assortment of minor traffic offences.

PC Marion Carrett of the Roads Policing Unit said: "The result of the checks confirmed that a percentage of vehicles stopped had minor defects.

"Drivers were dealt with accordingly. Checks will be carried out in the New Year to see if the taxi companies have improved their standards."

The joint operation involved the police, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, North Somerset council licensing department and the Department of Work and Pensions.

It is part of a three-month Relentless campaign by the Force's Road Policing Unit to reduce road casualties, deny criminals the use of the roads, reduce anti-social use of the roads and enhance public confidence through increased visibility.

Council Licensing Manager Keith Taylor said: "While the majority of the vehicles checked were found to be satisfactory, there was a significant number of vehicles with minor defects such as defective lights and this indicated poor vehicle maintenance.

"We welcome working with partner agencies and further checks will be made to ensure the protection of members of the public travelling in licensed vehicles."