More taxis fail safety checks
Seven more taxi drivers face prosecution after Oldham Council's latest crackdown on licensed vehicle roadworthiness.
The news comes on the day the Council introduced stricter emissions standards for taxis and private hire vehicles to improve air quality in the borough.
In a joint operation with Greater Manchester Police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), the Council's Licensing Team stopped 28 vehicles on Thursday night for quality checks.
Twelve of the vehicles failed, seven of which so seriously, their drivers are likely to face prosecution. Three of the seven were taxis and the other four private hire vehicles. The faults were mainly for defective tyres and steering assemblies.
Cabinet member for environment and regeneration, Councillor David Hibbert said: "I am still concerned that too many vehicles that we stop on these spot checks are failing safety standards. Our ideal is to do one of these exercises and find nothing wrong. When customers get into these vehicles they place their trust in the driver and the regulatory regime that keeps them safe. These spot checks are a vital part of ensuring passengers have safe journeys in safe vehicles."
In February this year, the Council announced that it was tightening emissions standards for licensed vehicles. From today all vehicles submitted for test that only meet minimum Euro I standards will be required to have Energy Savings Trust approved emissions control equipment fitted so that the vehicle reaches the Euro III level.
From next September, the same rules will apply to vehicles that meet the Euro II standards.
Councillor Hibbert added: "Taxis are one of the most significant road users in the Borough making anything up to 10 per cent of all journeys made. By accelerating the emissions standard requirements, we can have a significant impact upon reducing the levels of nitrous oxide and harmful particulates in the air we breath - improving the health of our Borough - particularly among the young and those who suffer from breathing difficulties. The Council will make every effort that it can to improve our environment and this action is just one of many improvement projects."
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