Recent spot checks on taxis have found that 43% of those inspected had some form of defect.

North Somerset Council joined forces with the Police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) on Thursday (January 12) 

In total 30 taxis were subjected to spot checks in the Weston-super-Mare area and a number of defects were found. Three taxis were ordered out of service for tyre, brake and taximeter defects.

Of the 30 vehicles stopped, 13 (43%) had defects which included bodywork damage, obscuration of the windscreen by satellite navigation devices and missing or inadequate fire extinguishers. Drivers of vehicles not ordered off the road were given advice on complying with the required standards.

The checks have once again revealed a continuing trend of poor vehicle maintenance by licensed vehicle operators.  

Further checks will be made by the agencies involved to ensure that the required safety standards are being maintained in licensed vehicles.

Cllr Felicity Baker, North Somerset Council's executive member with responsibility for licensing said the results were shocking.

"When we get in a taxi we should be confident that the vehicle we are travelling in is road worthy and safe. These spot checks show that this often isn't the case. We would urge licensed operators to ensure their vehicles are in good condition and are not posing a threat to people's safety."