Quarter of taxis checked by police found non-compliant

OVER a quarter of taxis checked during a traffic operation in the town centre were found to be non-compliant by police.

The joint operation was conducted by the Rochdale Tutor Unit, other police colleagues and partners from Licensing at Rochdale Boroughwide Council on Saturday, December 14.

They were targeting vehicles, in particular taxis, to check they were complying with both policy and legislation for public service vehicles.

GMP Rochdale said: “During the evening 19 taxis were stopped and dealt with accordingly and of the 19 taxis only five were non-compliant.

“Four of the five vehicles received immediate suspensions due to issues with headlights and bodywork and their plates were removed, preventing them from continuing working until Licensing were satisfied. The fifth taxi was defected with a requirement to produce an electric de-installation certificate.”

During the evening, a large number of personal vehicles were also stopped and found to be committing various offences. Police said five were guilty of not wearing a seat belt, one for using a mobile phone and two for having faulty headlights.

Officers also carried out a number of visits to licensed premises to check they were complying with regulations such as CCTV/staffing numbers and paperwork being in order and up-to-date.

GMP Rochdale, posting on social media, added: “All in all the evening went very well with Officers and partners providing a reassuring presence to the general public and road users alike with the intention of making Rochdale a safer Place.”