Taxi spot checks in North East Lincolnshire reveal bad tyre, unclean taxi, accident damage and more

In an effort to ensure the safety and quality of taxi services in North East Lincolnshire, the local council's licensing team and Humberside Police recently conducted a joint operation, executing spot checks on six random taxis.

The operation aimed to scrutinise the drivers, conditions of their vehicles, and the validity of their licences, insurance, tyres, lights, and vehicle tax.

During the inspections, which took place on Sunday 17 December, various issues were uncovered. The licensing teams, responsible for assessing both drivers and vehicles, discovered the following issues:

• One vehicle was immediately suspended due to its tyre treading falling below the legal limit as well as the taxi's door signs being improperly mounted on magnets.

• Another vehicle was found to have apparent accident damage, raising concerns about its overall safety.

• One taxi exhibited significant uncleanliness, and further inspection revealed a non-functional taxi roof light.

Despite being intact and operational, one taxi's broken brake light was identified during the inspection.

The licensing team, responsible for granting licences to both new and existing taxi drivers, undertakes checks to ensure that all taxis meet the mandated roadworthiness standards. Regular roadside spot checks are carried out throughout the year to monitor compliance and maintain the utmost safety for passengers.

Through these joint operations, the North East Lincolnshire Council and Humberside Police aim to crack down on the few taxi drivers who do not adhere to licensing regulations set out.

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.”