VOSA clamps down on negligent taxi drivers

- 17th December 2009

Eight taxi drivers out of 19 checked in Derbyshire have had their licenses suspended due to a lack of car servicing, it has been revealed.

Enforcement officers from Derby City Council worked with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and police to assess the vehicles, which were deemed un-roadworthy due to problems including tyres being below the legal tread limit, accident damage and missing windows, the Derby Evening Telegraph reports.

Councillor Margaret Redfern, chairwoman of the council’s licensing committee, told reporters: “I’m horrified at some of the defects that have been discovered and I am relieved that we’ve managed to remove unfit cars from the road, particularly in the run-up to Christmas; a time when taxi usage is higher than ever.”

In addition, Councillor Bob Troup, a cabinet member for housing and the environment, added that all drivers should ensure that proper car maintenance is carried out on their vehicles.

This month, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association called on UK companies to ensure that any vehicles they use are roadworthy.