New taxi safety measures after high failure rates

There will be penalties for people who lie or are ‘untruthful’ about taxi safety checks

New measures to improve taxi safety have been welcomed and backed by borough councillors.

It comes after recent unannounced taxi safety checks in Pendle found high failure rates.

Issues ranged from worn tyres, brake problems, loose wheel nuts, faulty lights and fluid leaks.

A mobile phone app is to be introduced for daily vehicle checks with penalties for those who do not use it.

There will also be penalties for people who lie or are ‘untruthful’ about taxi safety checks.

A total of 13 measures were backed at the latest full meeting of Pendle Council at Nelson Town Hall

Taxi safety enforcement had been a source of debate, concern and disagreement between officials, councillors and the trade for years, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Another measure is to extend taxi knowledge tests to include a test on the basic mechanics of cars.

The taxi trade opposed an app and had disagreements over who its own representatives were.

Liberal Democrat councillor and deputy council leader, David Whipp, said the new report made "excellent suggestions".

Some councillors questioned where the resources would come from to deal with "a surge in cases".

Labour councillor, Mohammed Iqbal, also said there needed to be "transparency" with the taxi trade, when it comes to training and using an app.

In a vote, councillors agreed the taxi recommendations.

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