11 out of 18 cabs fail safety tests in Nelson (From Lancashire Telegraph)

11 out of 18 cabs fail safety tests in Nelson

1:20pm Friday 25th May 2012 in Nelson By Peter Magill , Chief reporter

TAXI leaders have pledged to bounce back after a crackdown by inspectors took 11 out of 18 cabs spot-checked off the road.

Licensing bosses say that most were returned to the roads the same night or next day, after the checks in Nelson.

But Coun Pauline McCormick, the borough’s taxi licensing chairman, said she was ‘disappointed’ with the results.

Mohammed Akram, of Pendle Taxi Association, said drivers were being constantly reminded of their obligations and that would continue.

“There is no magic solution to this but we keep on telling drivers about maintaining standards,” he said.

Taxi drivers in the borough now face at least three spot checks per year – one each in Nelson, Colne and West Craven.

The latest operation saw borough licensing officers working with Lancashire Police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

Coun McCormick said: “The number of taxis failing the test was a disappointment compared to the last one carried out in Colne.

“All 11 vehicles will now have to undergo an extra taxi test per year so the condition of the vehicle can be monitored.”

Spot checks are planned during the rest of the year and passengers are being urged to contact the licensing team if they want to raise any issues, or pass on any compliments about the trade, in the meantime.

The findings of the latest spot-checks will also be debated by the taxi licensing sub-committee on Monday at Nelson Town Hall.