Archived press release

Date Published: 08/05/08

Thames Valley Police and Aylesbury Vale District Council have carried out a taxi safety check in Aylesbury.

With the assistance of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), 21 taxis were directed to the police station on 30 April and inspected. A range of checks were carried out on the drivers and the condition of their vehicles.

Out of these 21 vehicles, 10 were taken off the road for immediate repairs, three were given delayed prohibition notices due to mechanical defects, five others were given advisory notices for lesser defects and three vehicles were defect-free. During the operation one vehicle was seized by police as the driver was not properly licensed. The vehicles were a mix of hackney carriages and private hire cars.

Sergeant Dominic Mahon, of Aylesbury Roads Policing, who led the safety checks said: “I am disappointed to see almost half of the taxis stopped on Wednesday had to be taken off the road.

“The standard of the taxis stopped was not as good as those we stopped during out last check in November and this would sadly appear to indicate standards have dropped.

“We know taxi drivers perform an essential function in Aylesbury and this operation was aimed at supporting drivers and firms that uphold high standards while educating or prosecuting those who do not.

“If certain firms or individuals continue to ignore their legal responsibilities then prosecutions will follow.”

Councillor Judy Brandis, Chairman of the AVDC Licensing Committee, said: “The joint action between AVDC and the police in these cases show that we both take the monitoring of licensed vehicles and their drivers very seriously in Aylesbury.

“We consider it extremely important that our residents travel in vehicles that are safe and with drivers who are competent and appropriately vetted. Before being allowed on the road in the first place there is a stringent procedure for vehicles and drivers, and thereafter there are regular periodic checks. The random checks are made to ensure there is proper maintenance between the regular checks.

“The council and its partner organisations will continue to monitor the condition of licensed vehicles to ensure that the public can travel in confidence. Strong action will be taken where appropriate if taxis or hire cars are not up to standard. We shall also be discussing this situation with the drivers and we shall consider reviewing the frequency of the regular checks.”