Crackdown on defective taxis

Angus cabbies are being targeted by police as part of a festive crackdown which has already uncovered serious defects on some taxis.

Throughout this month, traffic officers from Police Scotland’s Tayside division and vehicle examiners from the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency will be joining forces to carry out checks of taxis and private hire vehicles in the Angus and Dundee areas as part of the safety campaign.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Efforts will be made to ensure taxi and private hire operators and drivers are maintaining their vehicles to the standard required and complying with the conditions of their licence.“

In the first wave of action at the end of last week, a total of 25 vehicles were checked as part of Operation Fare.

“The public will be pleased to know that the majority of vehicles and drivers that were checked were found to have no defects or issues,” the spokesman added.

“Four vehicles were found to have significant defects in relation to tyres, insecure seats and lights.

“These were dealt with by means of fixed penalty notices and prohibitions.

“Minor defects were found on four vehicles and the drivers were given warnings and corrective advice.

“Drivers were also given advice in relation to dress code and the general cleanliness of the vehicles.”