Taxi licensing officers at MK Council joined forces with Thames Valley Police on a safety operation in December.

Eight taxis were stopped and checked and visual inspections were made by officers at the roadside. Of the vehicles licensed by MKC, further checks were then made at the council’s testing station in Bleak Hall.

On further testing by fully qualified examiners, breaches found included:

•    No first aid kit
•    No fire extinguisher
•    Defective lights
•    Tyre damage
•    Front grill damage
•    Missing wheel nuts
•    Anti-roll bar link not connected
•    And unclean vehicles

Until defects are rectified the use of those vehicles will be suspended.

Steve Hayes, MKC’s Head of Transport said, “It is so important that people have absolute confidence in the safety of licensed vehicles and this operation was designed to highlight those who do not maintain their vehicles. Licensed drivers are expected to check their vehicles prior to starting work and ones that do not will be caught and will have to deal with the consequences of suspension.”

“We will continue to work with Thames Valley Police and our neighbouring local authorities to ensure the safety of the public when using licensed services. I would like to thank TVP for making their resources available for this operation.”