'Special' Focus On Road Safety In Bradford

Monday 28 May 2012

Random spot checks on taxis operating in Bradford City Centre were carried out over the weekend.

On Saturday (26/05) officers from the Special Constabulary joined forces with Bradford Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing officers.

They were supported by officers from the Bradford Roads Policing Unit and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Static check points located on Vicar Lane and on Westgate aimed to ensure vehicles were fit for use and meeting the legal standards.

A total of 53 taxis were stopped and checked during the day with 11 immediately suspended by enforcement officers for issues ranging from document offences to vehicle defects. Six drivers were also given advice by officers.

Bradford South Special Constabulary Senior Section Officer Gerry Slade said it had been a successful operation:

"On top of those suspended, a number of fixed penalty tickets were also issued as part of this operation.

"One driver received a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence for having defective tyres. Another was handed a defect rectification notice for having insufficient tread allowing a period of time to have it fixed or face prosecution.

"Of the drivers we stopped and spoke to, a majority of their vehicles were of good standard and happy to co-operate in the operation.

"It is imperative, however that those who are not operating within the law are identified as they are potentially putting their passenger’s safety in jeopardy.

"These checks mean we can catch any defects on cars used for public transport early while ensuring that drivers are keeping to the terms of their licence."

Bradford Special Constabulary Acting Section Officer Sarah Acton said they also made 32 stop checks on general motorists in the city.

"One vehicle was seized for driving without a license and the driver was summonsed to Court. Another was summonsed to Court for failing to wear a seat belt.

"Various fixed penalty tickets were issued for those driving with faulty tyres and lights. Others were handed tickets for driving whilst being on a mobile phone and for not wearing seat belts. Each of these carries a fine of £60 and a three points license points.

"This is an example of the good partnership work between the Council and the Police and underlines our efforts to ensure taxis and private hire vehicles are safe for all those who use them."