Yahoo News Spot checks on random taxis in North East Lincolnshire uncover number of problems
Spot checks on a number of taxis in North East Lincolnshire uncovered a number of issues from accident damage to a vehicle being "very unclean".
North East Lincolnshire Council's licensing team and Humberside Police conducted a joint operation, performing inspections on sixteen random taxis.
The drivers were scrutinised, along with the condition of their vehicles, their licences, insurance, tyres, lights and vehicle tax.
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The licensing teams inspected all drivers and the general condition of the vehicles while Humberside Police checked the vehicles' condition, tyres, and lights. The following issues were discovered during the inspections on the evening of Saturday, May 25:
One vehicle had accident damage
One vehicle was very unclean
One vehicle's roof light was not functioning
One vehicle was unclean
One driver did not have a badge or tariff card
One driver was given advice for parking up with headlights on
One driver was advised regarding a warning light on the dashboard.
The council's licensing team is responsible for issuing licences to new and existing taxi drivers, and they conduct thorough checks on the vehicles to ensure that they are roadworthy and meet the required standards.
Throughout the year, the team conducts roadside spot checks to ensure that these standards are being maintained.
Stay safe and smart when you get a taxi:.
Always use a licensed vehicle.
Hackney Carriage Vehicles can pick up unarranged fares from the street. They have a taxi roof sign and a white licence plate on the rear bumper.
Private hire vehicles are not allowed to pick up passengers from the street without a prior booking. These vehicles can be identified by a half-moon door sign on the front two doors stating 'advanced bookings only', and a yellow licence plate on the rear bumper.
Bookings should be made via phone, email or at a private hire office. It's important not to approach or accept rides from private hire drivers that haven't been pre-booked.
When your booked vehicle arrives, ensure the driver can confirm your name and destination before you get in.
Always check the driver's photo ID badge.
Avoid getting into a private hire vehicle that hasn't been pre-booked.
The council's licensing department cautions against arranging rides with unlicensed individuals found on the internet and social media as they lack insurance and have not undergone necessary checks, potentially putting passengers at risk.
