SPOT checks in Bromsgrove have revealed several taxi drivers flouting the rules - and some driving faulty vehicles.

Bromsgrove taxi drivers are now being urged to make essential checks after four vehicles were suspended for serious safety matters.

On Friday, April 5, Worcestershire Regulatory Services Technical Licensing Officers carried out spot checks on hackney carriage and private hire vehicles and drivers licensed by Bromsgrove District Council.

During the day, nine Private Hire and five Hackney Carriage vehicles were directed to the council’s testing station for a compliance and mechanical safety check.

Four of those vehicles were suspended with immediate effect for serious safety matters, for a variety of problems with suspension, brakes, and tyres and enquiries are ongoing in relation to these matters.

Twelve further roadside checks were made focussing on both the licensed drivers and vehicles.

As a result penalty points will be issued to six drivers for not complying with licence conditions - four for not wearing an identification badge, one for displaying a licence plate incorrectly and one for missing his mid-term examination.

WRS licensing and support services manager Susan Garratt said; “The results are disappointing but the team is working with the licensed trade to ensure high vehicle standards are kept.

“Officers will be carrying out further enforcement exercises in the near future to ensure the safety of the travelling public.”