City of Wolverhampton Council led a major enforcement operation at East Midlands Airport on 24 September, checking 209 private hire vehicles and drivers licensed by Wolverhampton and 18 other local authorities.
The operation involved MOT qualified examiners inspecting tyres, brakes, seatbelt safety and bodywork condition. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Driver Licence and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) also participated, checking drivers' registrations, road tax and use of red diesel.
Vehicles Failed Safety Standards
Of the 209 vehicles inspected, 35 licensed by a range of authorities were found to have compliance issues. Nine vehicles were temporarily ordered off the road until serious safety defects were fixed, including tyres below the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, faulty seatbelts and vehicle damage.
Three vehicles were found using illegal ghost plates. Drivers of these vehicles will be issued with Fixed Penalty Notices by police.
Wolverhampton Council used laser technology to check tyre tread depth and infrared cameras to identify ghost plates.
Cross-Council Partnership
The operation involved North West Leicestershire District Council, Leicestershire Police and partner agencies. Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for Resident Services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said the operation demonstrated the council's commitment to public safety and regular enforcement activity across the country.
Councillor Michael Wyatt, Deputy Leader at North West Leicestershire District Council, said the joint operation promoted public safety and maintained standards for compliant operators and drivers.
More joint, cross-border operations are expected to take place in future.