SPOT-CHECKS on taxis in the Vale of White Horse discovered several cars with defects.
Fire extinguishers and first aid kits were missing and in one vehicle a meter had been unsealed – meaning it could be tampered with.
Thames Valley Police worked alongside Vale of White Horse District Council staff to carry out checks on 11 taxis in Abingdon and six in Wantage last month. Minor defects were found on four vehicles.
Richard Farrell, the council’s executive member for legal and democratic services, said: “It’s important that taxi passengers are able to travel in safety and comfort and these checks are vital for this to continue.
“I’m happy that this partnership between our officers and Thames Valley Police has been a success.”
Melanie Hemmings, principal licensing officer, said: “We would like to remind passengers that every licensed driver should be wearing a badge issued by the council and every licensed taxi should display a rear licence plate with an identification number on it.”
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