20 April 2012

Attwood Hits Out At Illegal Cabs

One in four taxis do not comply with legal requirements.

This is all the more reason for the introduction of the operator licensing for taxis according to Environment Minister Alex Attwood.

The Minister was responding to the publication of the 2011 report on levels of compliance in the taxi fleet industry.

During the survey, 659 taxis were randomly stopped by Driver & Vehicle Agency staff and assessed for compliance with the relevant legal requirements.

The survey showed that the overall level of compliance in 2011 was 75.3% compared with 79.9% in 2009 and 76.7% in 2007.

Commenting on the figures Mr Attwood said: "Compliance levels within the taxi industry have remained largely static over the past four years. The figures show that only three out of every four taxis are fully compliant. That is not good enough. For people here and visitors who come here, the quality and safety of taxis must be paramount.

"This level of compliance has implications for customers, for road safety and for the environment. That is why the introduction of operator licensing later this year and the other changes that I intend to bring forward in order to reform the industry are so important. By better regulation and proper enforcement, compliance, safety and comfort can be enhanced."

The survey identified a variety of defects including problems with tyres, lights, brakes and suspension systems, and also with fire extinguishers, roof signs and taxi plates.

(GK)