One driver was breathalysed and another three were issued with traffic offence notices as the council carried out inspections of taxis in Warwick district.

Warwick District Council (WDC), working in partnership with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Warwickshire Police recently inspected 48 private hire vehicles to make sure they were "safe and legal".

The inspections found several issues with vehicles, including one with cords exposed on two tyres. The vehicle was immediately prohibited, and the driver issued with traffic offence notice.

One driver was also breathalysed after alcohol was found in the rear of the vehicle. The driver blew zero.

Other issues included one vehicle with tyre tread below the minimum and a defective break light, again seeing it immediately prohibited, and the driver issued with a traffic offence notice.

Another had defective breaks while a further three were also issued delayed prohibition notices by DVSA meaning they have 10 days to rectify the issue and present for another MOT.

Some 48 vehicles in total were checked (image via WDC)

Of the remaining 42 vehicles 10 had minor licensing infringements which will be followed up by licensing officers. 

In addition, vehicles that are approved to carry passengers in wheelchairs were inspected to ensure that not only were they safe, but that the driver was confident in supporting wheelchair users to access the vehicle.

As part of the council's conduct scheme, there will also be an impact on some vehicle owners in the way of conduct points and a referral to a licensing and regulatory panel.

Cllr Jim Sinnott, portfolio holder for safer, healthier and active communities, said: "I would like to express my thanks to the council's licensing team, the DVSA and Warwickshire Police for carrying out this essential activity.

"Taxi drivers play an important role in providing transport to those that 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 48 private hire vehicles drivers for coming to their inspection, to ensure high safety standards.

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