An operation to ensure taxi drivers and vehicles are compliant with licence conditions saw points issued and vehicles suspended for failing to meet standards.
Medway Council joined forces with Gravesham Council and Kent Police to run Op Chaser earlier this year, resulting in five inspections and subsequent enforcement action.
The operation was carried out in February, and involved a Licensing Officer and Police Officer who stopped and inspected licensed vehicles without passengers on Wednesday, 19 February.
The action led to two vehicles being suspended for failing to meet required standards, while another vehicle required attention under the Road Traffic Act, and penalty points were issued to three vehicles for not having door signs or failing to report an accident to the council.
In one case, a wheelchair-accessible vehicle was suspended due to the internal condition, which was found to be generally dirty with kitchen lino used to replace worn out carpets. In another, the suspended vehicle was stopped on a taxi rank as it had no door signs, and inspection identified unreported accident damage for which points were also issued.
Further faults identified in other vehicles included a toplight not connected to the meter, a tariff card not being displayed, tyres not inflated to correct pressure, further missing door signs, and the absence of a ‘no smoking’ sign.
Confident of a safe journey
Cllr Alex Paterson, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Highways and Enforcement, said: “This mobile operation was a great success but it shows that too many vehicles are failing to meet the required standards, which are essential for ensuring safety. Anyone paying for a taxi service rightly expects that their safety should be a priority, and the very first step to ensure that safety should be proper vehicle maintenance.
"I know the majority of taxi providers make sure their vehicles are compliant, but those who do not should be aware that their vehicle may be pulled over at any time, and they will face the consequences. We will continue working with partners and taxi operators to make sure all vehicles are kept to the required standard, and that everyone can be confident of a safe journey when using a taxi in Medway.”