Taxi drivers stopped over safety

Two thirds of taxis stopped in an operation to clamp down on rogue cab drivers in Lancashire were not complying with licence conditions.

The vehicles were stopped in Chorley in an operation involving the police, Chorley Council and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

Of the 18 drivers stopped, 12 vehicles were not within licensing regulations with missing signs or dirty interiors.

Seven had vehicle defects and eight had faults which would fail an MOT.

Seven-day notice

Three fixed penalty tickets were issued for seat belt offences.

All drivers in taxis with defects were issued with notices to rectify the problem within seven days.

Councillor Iris Smith, chairman of Chorley Council's Licensing Committee, said that it was a very successful exercise: "We hope this sends out a message that all taxi drivers need to comply with the law.

"Passenger safety is of paramount importance to us and we will not tolerate drivers who drive taxis that put members of the public at risk.

"Although it was disappointing to see some taxis being driven with defects it was reassuring to hear that none had to be taken off the road."