Officers target rogue cabbies

More than 38 cabbies in Rochdale had their licenses checked as part of an operation to keep the public safe from defective vehicles and overcharging.

The operation was supported by police and licensing officers from the council.

Together they stopped drivers of taxi and private hire vehicles in Littleborough, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. As well as ensuring licenses and insurance documents were valid they carried out checks on meter readings, tariff cards and registration plates. They also ensured that vehicles had adequate signage including no smoking signs.

Other agencies involved included, Vehicle and Operator Safety Agency (VOSA) and environmental management.

All vehicles were checked at the testing site based at the council’s environmental management test station at Green Lane, Heywood.

Eleven drivers had their licences suspended for failing to meet all licensing regulations, 19 of the vehicles tested had defects, which included, faulty bulbs, poor signage or damaged bodywork.

Sergeant Daniel Shirazi for Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Private hire vehicle operators need to ensure that they meet the legal requirements as outlined in the guidelines and the law.

“These drivers are entrusted with the safety of their passengers and by making their vehicles safe they are providing the best possible service for the public.

“Our officers regularly work with the council’s licensing team and when issues such as these are raised by members of the community about the condition of some of the borough’s taxi and private hire vehicles we have to take action.

“We hope that this initiative will reassure members of the public that we take their safety seriously. We will continue to take positive action where necessary to maintain the standards of public transport across Rochdale division and to keep the public safe.”

Beverley Wilkinson, licensing manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Our licensing team often works alongside the police to carry out stop and check exercises such as these. They are crucial in ensuring that taxi and private hire drivers in the borough are working legitimately and are abiding by the necessary licensing regulations that are in place to protect the health and safety of local passengers.

“I am pleased that the majority comply with the law. It highlights that passengers are being protected from bogus drivers, inflated fares and their safety is not being put at risk.”