Festive crackdown on taxi safety

Police and licensing officers across Darlington and County Durham joined forces with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for a festive crackdown on taxi safety.

Patrolling officers stopped vehicles in several target areas including locations with the busiest nighttime economies: Darlington, Durham City, Consett and Chester-le-Street, and checked them for roadworthiness and legal compliance.

All licensed owners, operators and drivers must regularly check their vehicles to ensure they are safe to transport passengers.

Suspect vehicles were directed to a specialist garage where checks were made to ensure that the vehicle was legal to be on the road and mechanically safe. Drivers were also checked to ensure they were properly licensed.

A total of 57 vehicles were stopped, with 50 directed to a garage for inspection by the DVSA. From these, one driver was arrested for failing a roadside drug test for cannabis and seven vehicles were found to have issues relating to tyres, faulty brakes, no taxi sign illumination and an engine management light. Two failed to attend the garage.

Cllr Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “The majority of drivers and vehicles licensed with the council are safe and compliant thanks to our robust policy and proactive work with our trade, but where there is noncompliance, we will take swift action to protect the public.

“We want people to have confidence that our taxis are a safe way to get home after a night out, particularly among women. Drivers who may be tempted to operate illegally should be warned they face tough penalties.”

Cllr John Shuttleworth, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “As the results of this operation show, the vast majority of the thousands of taxi drivers working in County Durham comply with all licensing requirements, including keeping their vehicle roadworthy, and we applaud them for this.

“This operation was about looking for the small minority that breach licensing requirements or do not ensure their vehicle is fit for the roads and taking appropriate action. It was also about reminding those drivers that need reminding, of the requirement to comply with licensing law and to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy.

“We will continue to work with our partners to raise awareness of the need for people driving taxis this festive season, and all year round, to comply with all relevant rules; and to take action against the small number who don’t.”

Chief Inspector Jim O’Connor, from Darlington neighbourhood team at Durham Constabulary, said: “The taxi checks are not only for the public’s safety but the drivers too. The checks will ultimately help improve road safety, reduce the risk of collisions and ensure everyone gets home safely. 

“Checking the taxi driver documentation also helps reduce the risk to vulnerable people who may fall prey to unlicensed drivers in the nighttime economy.

“We would like to remind people to use reputable companies and apps when booking a taxi. When the taxi arrives, the driver should be wearing photographic identification as well as having their private hire licence displayed within the vehicle.

“These checks will continue over the Christmas period and into the new year as we continue our campaign to make Darlington and County Durham safer.”

Joy Allen, Durham Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “This is a welcome move.  I campaign vigorously to ensure that people do not drive under the influence of drink or drugs, urging those who have had a drink or taken drugs not to get behind the wheel. 

“That’s why even more people will be trusting taxis to get them home safely after a good night out at this time of year and it’s vital that they can do safe in the knowledge that both the vehicle and driver are legally on the road. 

“The legislation has been put in place to protect passengers, and indeed the taxi operators, and I’m pleased to see that additional checks are to be made over the festive period.”

Darlington has been recognised by the Purple Flag award as a town that offers a safe night out. This international accreditation recognises cities and towns for high quality after dark.

We want everyone to have a great night out in Darlington and County Durham. There's some useful advice and information to help you plan ahead for a safe evening at Enjoy Darlington - Stay Safe and durham.gov.uk/article/7720/Enjoy-a-great-night-in-Durham