Taxi operators praised by police

6:39pm Sunday 11th May 2008

TAXI operators in the Taunton and Wellington areas have been praised following police spot checks last week.

Of a total of 26 taxis stopped, only two were found to be contravening road traffic regulations.

The offending cabs were immediately ordered off the road until the defects were fixed and the vehicles deemed to be roadworthy.

Acting Sgt Tony Foster said: "It was reassuring to see that the condition of taxis in the area is of such a high standard.

"It appears that local operators understand how serious we are about enforcing the regulations around taxis and they are making efforts to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy."

Last week's joint venture was undertaken by Avon and Somerset police, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and Taunton Deane Council.

Sgt Foster added: "The two vehicles that were taken off the road both had tyres with very low tread depths - a defect that is easy for drivers to check - so it was great to have the opportunity to remind them that regular checks do need to be carried out.

"We will continue to work closely with our partners at VOSA and Taunton Deane Council licensing department to drive up the standards of taxis and private hire vehicles across the area."