Taxi taken off the road after Avon and Somerset Police find unsafe tyre during wet weather checks
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
A taxi in Somerset was taken off the road yesterday after police discovered a dangerously worn tyre during routine roadside checks.
PC Patrick Quinton, known as the “Taxi Cop” for Avon and Somerset Police, carried out safety inspections on vehicles at the start of a rain-soaked morning. The very first taxi stopped was immediately suspended from service after one of its tyres was found to have less than the legal 1.6mm tread depth.
The driver, who was about to begin school contract work, received three penalty points and a £100 fine. The vehicle was prohibited from carrying passengers until the tyre was replaced and the car re-inspected.
PC Quinton said: “Defective tyres, especially on a wet day and about to be used for school contract work, is a real safety issue. The driver will be getting three DVLA points and a £100 fine. Have you checked your tyres and lights today?”
The inspection was part of an ongoing effort to keep licensed taxis and private hire vehicles safe for passengers and road users. Bald or defective tyres are among the most common faults found during spot checks, especially in winter weather.
Drivers are being reminded that tyre tread depth has a direct impact on stopping distances, particularly in wet conditions, and that failing to check tyres can result in fines and penalty points.
