Only 3 out of 19 county taxis pass council and police checks

Taxi drivers were the focus of a partnership crackdown on vehicle safety, parking on double yellow lines and complying with licence conditions.

Licensing officers from South Cambridgeshire District Council and police officers from Cambridgeshire Constabulary carried out the joint operation to ensure taxi drivers and their vehicles were complying with legislation and licence conditions.

A total of 19 vehicles were stopped in and around Cambridge to check taxi driver badges were displayed correctly, vehicles had door signage and that they were carrying a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.

Also, under the spotlight as part of the checks, was double yellow line parking on roads around Addenbrooke’s Hospital amid increasing complaints from residents living nearby.

Patrols found issues with three vehicles parked on double yellow lines – including one taxi parked on double red lines at Addenbrooke’s next to a ‘no parking at any time’ sign.

Problems were found with identity badges not on display or missing, and door signage not displayed.

More serious issues were found with four vehicles, which had tyre tread below the legal limit. The vehicle licences were immediately suspended until the tyres were replaced.

One driver was made to remove a large heavy torch secured to the side of his seat, which could be deemed as an offensive weapon.

If found attached to the seat on any further checks he was warned that he would be arrested.

Of 19 taxis stopped, only three drivers and their vehicles were found to have no issue. The other 16 were sent either an advisory letter or issued with penalty points against their council-issued licence.

Cllr Henry Batchelor, the council’s lead cabinet member for licensing, said: “It was quite concerning that out of the 19 vehicles checked only three had no issues and were fully compliant.

“It is vital we carry out checks like this to ensure taxi drivers and their vehicles are complying with the law and with required standards of safety and service.

“We will continue with regular spot checks as being compliant with policy is a requirement, not an option.”

All drivers using a vehicle with illegal tyres were issued with six penalty points. Further partnership crackdowns are expected.