TWO taxi drivers were taken off the road during inspections across the district.

Warwick District Council, working in partnership with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Warwickshire Police, recently carried out inspections of all the area’s private hire vehicles.

A total of 55 licensed vehicles were inspected to ensure they were safe and legal. Included in these were vehicles approved to transport passengers in wheelchairs, guaranteeing the drivers were confident in assisting wheelchair users to access their vehicles.

And while the vast majority passed first time, issues were identified with several vehicles, including engine warning lights, a worn ball joint and a faulty steering gaiter.

Ten drivers were issued with a 10-day delayed prohibition, allowing them time to resolve the issues identified. A further two drivers had their vehicles immediately prohibited. These vehicles were able to be released after receiving the necessary repairs at the inspection site.

WDC’s safer communities spokesperson Coun Jim Sinnott said: “I would like to express my thanks to the council’s licensing team, the DVSA and Warwickshire Police for once again carrying out these inspections.

“Taxi drivers play an important role in providing transport to those who need it, so it’s vital that they keep their vehicles safe and legal, protecting both their passengers and the wider community. We’d like to thank all 55 private hire vehicle drivers for coming to their inspection and for cooperating with our officers to promptly resolve any issues identified.

“The council takes its licensing responsibilities seriously and will not hesitate to take action to guarantee the public’s safety.”