Taxis checked for safety ahead of festive flurry

Vehicles were checked to see if they were complying with licensing conditions and standards, and that all drivers were licensed

Pre-Christmas spot checks have been carried out on taxis across the borough of Rochdale.  

Two sessions were carried out by Rochdale Borough Council’s licensing team and Greater Manchester Police officers to check the compliance of private and public hire vehicles operating within the borough ahead of the busy festive period.

Vehicles were checked to see if they were complying with licensing conditions and standards, and that all drivers were licensed.

A total of 47 vehicles were checked. All drivers were found to be licensed and 39 vehicles were fully compliant with the council’s standards and licensing conditions.

Suspension notices were issued to seven vehicles for breaching licensing conditions. Reasons for the suspension included some vehicles having a faulty light or an issue with bodywork. The vehicle licences were suspended from any duties and the drivers returned the vehicle licence plates to the council. All seven drivers presented their vehicles and remedied the issue to the satisfaction of the council within 24 hours and had their licences reinstated.

A defect notice was issued to one driver for the infringement of installing additional lights within their vehicle, contrary to licensing standards. Remedial action has been carried out to the satisfaction of the council.

Councillor Sara Rowbotham, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This partnership working is vital to ensuring the public are safe when travelling in licensed vehicles in our borough. Our monitoring continues all year round and we will always pursue appropriate action against any drivers and vehicles found not to be compliant with our conditions.”

If you believe a licensed vehicle or driver is not compliant with licensing conditions you can report it to the council’s licensing service by calling 01706 924114 or emailing licensing.reg@rochdale.gov.uk

All reports by the public are fully investigated.