Lack of taxi licensing plates and the use of magnetic door signs all listed in Humberside sting

A joint operation between North East Lincolnshire Council’s licensing team and Humberside Police has seen 15 random roadside spot check inspections on local taxis.

Drivers were checked, alongside the condition of their vehicle, as well as their licence, insurance, tyres, lights and vehicle tax.

The following issues were found during the inspections on the evening of Friday 8 July:

• One vehicle was immediately suspended for not displaying the vehicle licence plate – the vehicle has since had a follow-up check by the licensing team and the plate is now displayed

• One vehicle was showing as SORN – this has now been rectified and the vehicle taxed

• One vehicle had one magnetic door sign – these must be fixed to the vehicle so that they cannot be taken off and used by a person who is not licensed, or fall off when travelling at speed

• One vehicle had two magnetic door signs – again, these must be fixed to the vehicle so that they cannot be taken off and used by a person who is not licensed, or fall off when travelling at speed

• One driver was given advice as they were looking in their wallet whilst driving

• Three drivers were given advice regarding their speed

• One vehicle had a side light out

• One driver without an ID Badge.

The council’s licensing team are responsible for issuing licenses to new and continuing taxi drivers, and carry out extensive checks on the vehicles to ensure that they are roadworthy and meet the required standards.

Throughout the year, the team carry out roadside spot checks to make sure that these standards are being kept to.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’d like to thank the officers from both the council’s licensing team and Humberside Police for carrying out these spot checks.

“It’s important that the standards of our taxis are the highest that they can be and that they are safe for local residents. This work is about making sure these standards are being adhered to.

“I’m pleased to say that the majority of drivers do uphold these standards and I thank them for that. On this occasion, drivers have been spoken to and the issues will be monitored until they are resolved.”