Taxi checks in Exeter and East Devon ensure a safe journey

Five taxi cabs have been prohibited from being used following a two-day operation carried out by Devon & Cornwall Police in Exeter and East Devon.

Police Officers completed an operation with their partners in VOSA (The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency), Immigration and HM Revenue and Customs Fuel Testing, stopping a total of 50 vehicles between Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd February 2013 in Exmouth, Exeter and Honiton.

Of the vehicles checked, 23 were found to be in order, while 27 were committing offences ranging from defective lights, to the driver not having an identity badge. A number of the vehicles were committing more than one offence.

Those which were prohibited from being used immediately had defects such as having a defective tyre, having a loose battery or failing to carry to first aid kit and fire extinguisher.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said, “Anyone who is a fare paying passenger should expect to be able to travel in safety.

“For the police to put vehicles off the road immediately demonstrates how seriously we treat breaches of the regulations but we will work hard to prevent the public being at risk.

“It is disappointing that less than half of the vehicles checked were free of any defects and we would not rule out further checks in the future”.