Town centre clampdown reveals 28 taxi drivers breaking law
MORE than two dozen defective taxis were issued with warnings during a Friday night clampdown by the authorities last week.
The so-called ‘Safer Kirklees’ multiagency task force swooped on private hire and taxi drivers in a night of action in Huddersfield town centre.
Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Police and officials from the government’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) were involved.
During the night, the team stopped and checked over 50 private hire/Hackney Carriage vehicles.
Council officials and police found concerns with 28 vehicles, leading to them being issued Vehicle Defect Rectification Notices (VDRNs).
One vehicle was seized for no valid MOT or road fund licence.
Officers from the DVSA handed out eight immediate prohibition notices for broken suspension, brakes and tyres.
Alongside checks on taxis, staff also descended on pubs and clubs to check they were meeting the terms of their alcohol licences.
The action was also designed to support night time revellers and vulnerable people within the town centre with a variety of initiatives including safer drinking, transport and access to specialist teams such as housing.
The Safer Kirklees partners also included Pubwatch, Street Angels, and dedicated Street Marshals to support those out to celebrate the festive season.
Clr Naheed Mather, Kirklees Council’s cabinet member for communities and environment, said: “While we recognise that the festive period is one of celebration for many, it can also be a challenging time for those who are, or can become, vulnerable.
“I am really proud of the way our teams, volunteers and partners have joined forces to create a safer environment for visitors to Huddersfield and Kirklees. Making our towns’ safe and vibrant places to be is a priority and initiatives like this are one of many that we have delivered across the borough.
“We will continue to strive for a safer borough for the people of Kirklees. It is the support of so many volunteers that helps us work towards this goal.”
Carol Gilchrist, Head of Communities and responsible for Safer Kirklees, said: “Year round we work collaboratively with our partners to ensure safer towns and communities across Kirklees.
“Last Friday’s ‘Night of Action’, is just one of our programmes where we engage with a broad range of people - from partygoers to those who need additional support.”