‘SEVERAL SUSPENDED’: Forty eight private hire vehicle checks made during huge Warwick operation
Warwick District Council, in partnership with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Warwickshire Police, has carried out inspections on private hire vehicles across the district.
A total of 48 licensed vehicles were checked to ensure they met legal and safety standards. Special attention was given to vehicles approved for wheelchair access, with drivers assessed on their ability to assist passengers. Local healthcare company Wenmans, based in Barford, provided a wheelchair free of charge for the operation.
Several vehicles were found to have serious faults and were immediately taken off the road. These included a vehicle with tyre tread below the legal limit and a defective brake light, another with cords exposed on two tyres, and a third with defective brakes. All drivers were issued with traffic offence notices.
A driver was also breathalysed after alcohol was found in the rear of their vehicle. The test result was zero.
Three further vehicles were given delayed prohibition notices, requiring defects to be fixed within 10 days before another MOT. Licensing officers will also follow up on 10 minor infringements found in other vehicles.
Some vehicle owners will now face conduct points and potential referral to a Licensing and Regulatory Panel. The checks form part of the council’s ongoing work to ensure safe and compliant taxi services in the district.
Councillor Jim Sinnott, Portfolio Holder for Safer, Healthier and Active Communities, said: “I would like to express my thanks to the Council’s Licensing team, the DVSA and Warwickshire Police for carrying out this essential activity. Taxi drivers play an important role in providing transport to those that need it, so it’s vital that they keep their vehicles safe and legal, protecting both their passengers and the wider community.
"We'd like to thank all 48 private hire vehicles drivers for coming to their inspection, to ensure high safety standards.
“The Council takes its licensing responsibilities seriously and will not hesitate to take action to guarantee the public’s safety.”
