Licensing officers from Erewash Borough Council joined forces with colleagues from other local authorities, police forces and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency for a taxi safety check exercise in Nottingham during the busy Christmas celebration season.
A total of 79 hackney carriages and private hire vehicles licensed with various authorities were stopped and checked at Broadmarsh Shopping Centre car park as they ferried shoppers and revellers into and out of the city on Friday 11 December. All Erewash Borough Council licensed vehicles were given the all-clear.
One the same day, the Erewash licensing team also worked with police to check Long Eaton’s taxi ranks following reports of unidentified drivers in the area. None were found on the ranks and all drivers checked were displaying their Erewash badges confirming they were licensed with the council.
Councillor Garry Hickton, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment, says:
“We work all year round with our partners to carry out these checks on taxis – they are of the utmost importance to ensure the safety of our residents. During the build up to Christmas there is, understandably, a big increase in the use of taxis by people going into Nottingham to enjoy the festive season. It is right, therefore, that we join with our colleagues to make sure that the vehicles being used are properly licensed and road safe. We were pleased that the drivers licensed with us were carrying their passengers in safe vehicles.”
• During the Nottingham safety check, notices were issued for various defects, mainly to tyres and lights, to 14 vehicles from other areas. Eight vehicles from those other areas were suspended following inspection – four immediately and four were given delayed prohibition notices. Police dealt with one driver who was not licensed to drive the vehicle inspected.
