UTTOXETER taxi drivers have undergone a number of simply checks as part of a joint scheme between different authorities.
The scheme to check the drivers was run in partnership between Staffordshire Police, the police licensing team and police special constables, VOSA and East Staffordshire Borough Council enforcement officers.
The checks were carried out to assess the drivers and vehicles compliance with council and police legislation, and ensure that vehicles were in road worthy condition.
It also ensured that drivers had their personal badge, that the vehicles displayed council issued licensed plates and door panels, that they carried the right equipment such as first aid kits and fire extinguishers and that the vehicles were in a road worthy condition.
The police’s licensing team were also swabbing the vehicles for drug transfer as part of the forces ongoing Operation Nemesis.
Out of the 14 vehicles checked, 10 of which were licensed by the borough council, there were no significant issues found.
Two vehicles were given advisory notices by VOSA, but the enforcement team and the police said they had no concerns.
Councillor Richard Grosvenor, leader of the council, said: “This scheme shows the councils commitment to ensuring that the licensed taxi drivers and firms are complying with the laws that we and the police have in place.
“Again, this display’s our proactive approach to partnership working and we will continue to engage with key stakeholders.”
