A fare cop for cabbies

Apr 14 2008 By Leda Reynolds

TAXI drivers in Solihull have been found flouting the law in a joint police and council operation.

Twenty-six were stopped and checked as part of Operation Kos, aimed at ensuring that taxis were safe to carry paying passengers.

Officers from the council and West Midlands Police swooped in Poplar Road, Solihull.

A spokesman for Solihull Council said four vehicles were suspended from plying for hire because of defects.

A further four drivers were "advised" about minor problems with their vehicles.

Ten drivers were also issued with cautions for breaking the law by not wearing their badges or not displaying their plates correctly.

Each driver that went through the check site was also ordered to produce their driving documents.

West Midlands Police warned that failure to produce documents within seven days is an offence and will lead to drivers being reported for those offences and any others which then came to light.

All vehicles that were found with defects will be subject to further inspections at a later date.

Gavin Morrice, Solihull Council's public protection manager, said further operations were looming in a bid to net any drivers who endanger people's safety and ignore licensing conditions.

"The vast majority of licensed drivers in Solihull provide a very professional service," he said.

"However, those that fall below the required standards will be firmly dealt with.

"We are determined to ensure that the Solihull taxi trade offers a safe and compliant service and similar exercises will take place in the future."

Not seen many enforcement officers going round to check taxis lately, what's wrong, has the money run short this year?

Taxi drivers flouting the law? now there's a surprise