Multi-agency operation checks 40 Blackburn with Darwin taxi and PHVs finding two faulty tyres

Blackburn with Darwen Council's Taxi Licensing team, in cooperation with the local Police Task Force team and a DVSA vehicle examiner, conducted a comprehensive operation to ensure the safety of taxis operating on the roads of Blackburn with Darwen.

In a joint effort, the team pulled over passing taxis, conducting thorough spot checks on over 40 vehicles.

The inspections focused on essential safety measures that taxi drivers are expected to perform before commencing their shifts. These measures included checking the working condition of lights, verifying that the tyres were in good order, inspecting the functionality of windscreen wipers, among other crucial aspects.

Out of the vehicles inspected, two were found to have tyre faults requiring immediate attention. The drivers of these taxis were promptly informed and given time to rectify the issues.

They were required to report back on the same day after ensuring the faults had been adequately addressed.

Simultaneously, the Taxi Licensing officers verified that all the necessary licences were in order. They examined vehicle licence plates and signs to ensure proper display, and checked that the drivers possessed the respective licence badges. One driver from Blackburn with Darwen was found to have lost their taxi driver's licence badge.

Prompt action was taken, and the driver was immediately ordered to obtain a replacement.

Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment and Operations, with responsibility for taxi licensing said: "The Council has a duty of care to protect local people who travel by taxi, and this is something we take very seriously.

"Not all the vehicles we stopped during this multi-agency operation were licensed by Blackburn with Darwen - others were licensed in Hyndburn, Pendle, Bolton, Bury, Sefton, Wolverhampton and Slough. However it's important that we ensure, as much as we can, that taxis carrying passengers around the borough, are legal and safe.

"My thanks goes to the Police and DVSA for supporting our own Taxi Licensing team in this operation at an optimum time for reliance on taxis for our local residents.

Sgt Aled Jones-Roberts from Blackburn with Darwen Police, said: "We work closely with partners to ensure vehicles are safe and legal to be on the roads of Lancashire. The public rightly expect that vehicles driven by professional drivers should be safe and road legal and we are pleased that so many vehicles passed the checks.

"If and when they don't meet those standards, we will take the appropriate action.

These multi-agency operations will continue."