Image via Wikipedia A total of 19 taxis and private hire cars were stopped and checked by East Staffordshire Borough Council officers and Police last Friday as part of a multi- agency initiative.

During the evening of Friday, August 15thEast Staffordshire Borough Council’s Enforcement Team co-ordinated the on-the-spot checks, with the aim at targeting licensed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers and vehicles to ensure the safety of the public.

The Enforcement Team, which has the responsibility of regulating Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers, operators and vehicles within the Borough, were joined by colleagues from Staffordshire Police, Customs and Excise and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.

All 19 vehicles were stopped by the Police and Enforcement Officers and directed to Alan’s Test Centre in Wetmore Road, where VOSA examiners carried out detailed checks on the roadworthiness of vehicles and Customs and Excise Officers checked for red diesel.

Of the vehicles inspected, three were issued with immediate Prohibition Notices, meaning the vehicles could not be driven until the problems were remedied satisfactorily. Officers from Staffordshire Police issued three £60 Fixed Penalties, with the inclusion of three Penalty Points on drivers licences for each offence, that being the tread on vehicle tyres worn down beyond the legal limit. In addition, VOSA issued two Advisory Notices, requiring work to be done on vehicles as soon as possible.

Officers from Customs and Excise checked all 19 vehicles for red diesel and no positive traces were found and the Police issued Producers for driving licences and insurance documents for all vehicles checked.

Cllr Barrett, Deputy Leader for Environment, said: “Each licensed driver has a responsibility to ensure their vehicle is safe and roadworthy. Routine initiatives of this nature ensure compliance and that the public can have confidence that via these types of random checks we hope to ensure them that their journeys in our licensed vehicles can be taken in confidence.”

For details on Burton on Trent Taxis, click HERE.

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