TAXIS in South Tyneside were given the once-over during a police operation.
Officers stopped 31 borough taxis and checked the vehicles were in the correct condition and that cabbies were following driving and safety laws.
The day-long operation saw seven given notices to fix minor defects, one driver given a fixed penalty notice for not having a child correctly fastened into a car seat and another receiving a verbal warning in relation to how they were driving.
South Tyneside Chief Inspector Michael Barton said: “Operations like these not only ensure passengers are getting into roadworthy vehicles driven by legitimate drivers, but they also send out a message that we do monitor vehicles in the borough.
“The overwhelming majority of taxi drivers abide by the law and are offering a safe service to their passengers.
“However, we need to ensure that people who use taxis in good faith are getting into insured and roadworthy vehicles.”
Coun Tracey Dixon, lead member for area management and community safety for South Tyneside Council, said: “The council registers and tests more than 600 vehicles and drivers to protect the safety of local people using taxi services.
“This operation was another important step to protect both passengers and the many drivers who take care to provide a safe and properly insured service.”
If you have any concerns in your neighbourhood, contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101, extension 69191.
Twitter: @ShieldsGazCrime
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