BRAKES WORKING AT JUST 7% CAPACITY: Wyre Borough Council revokes TWO poorly maintained taxi licences from same operator
Wyre Borough Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee has revoked two hackney carriage licences after finding serious maintenance failings on vehicles operated by the same proprietor.
During a meeting on 11 December 2024, councillors reviewed reports detailing multiple defects on two licensed vehicles. One vehicle was found with a missing anti-roll bar fitting and a leaking exhaust system, leading to an immediate prohibition notice from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The second vehicle was discovered with a critical braking fault, operating at only 7% capacity, which also resulted in an immediate prohibition.
The proprietor, who had previously appeared before the committee regarding maintenance concerns, claimed that the vehicles were regularly serviced and suggested potential sabotage. However, he was unable to provide evidence of servicing history when questioned.
Councillors expressed concerns that faults would have remained unaddressed had the vehicles not undergone additional checks. The committee ruled that the proprietor had not taken sufficient steps to ensure vehicle safety, leading to the revocation of both licences under Section 60(1) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
The decision backs up the council’s stance on vehicle safety, with the committee stating they had “no confidence that changes would be made” to improve maintenance standards.
