FIVE taxi drivers have been suspended after a three-month investigation uncovered unsafe vehicles, speeding and the use of mobile phones while driving.
Police said the five had been temporarily suspended of their licenses for ‘persistent breaches’ of regulations after a joint operation by police and Hyndburn Borough Council.
The operation saw more than 50 warning notices issued for failing to wear a taxi badge, not displaying signs and for having no fire extinguisher or first aid kit.
More than 30 drivers were given £60 fixed penalty notices for contravening no entry areas, driving using a mobile phone, failing to wear a seatbelt and speeding.
Five drivers were also summonsed to court for offences such as having dangerous vehicle parts and plying for hire, police said.
Sergeant Simon Lynch said of those suspended, the worst breach had involved a taxi which had ‘clearly been involved in an accident with headlamps hanging loose’.
He said: “It was grossly unroadworthy but still being used as a taxi.
“The others were largely suspended for not having badges or plates or basic safety equipment, which is just not acceptable. People should have the comfort of knowing they’re in a bona fide cab and they have the right to expect a first aid kit or fire extinguisher should anything happen.
“The operation came about because breaches like using mobile phones and having no plates were getting quite blatant. Members of the public were concerned and so were cab companies, and drivers themselves.
“There are over 420 licensed taxis in Hyndburn, mostly operated by drivers who take great care of their passengers. Unfortunately there are some who are less stringent and it is they who we are targeting.”
Police will continue to run similar operations in the future and are appealing to anyone with information to contact them on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.