Half of taxis in Dundee failing annual inspection

Dundee taxi drivers will face stricter checks on vehicles after it was revealed half of the city's cars regularly fail their annual inspection.

Dundee City Council mechanics test more than 600 taxis each year to enforce roadworthiness and licensing regulations.

But a report revealed that "for many years" licensed taxis have registered a 50% failure rate.

Councillors have approved new proposals for daily checks for drivers - including checking tyre pressure, brakes, vehicle oil levels and steering.

The report highlighted a pilot project for random roadside vehicle testing last year, where more than 50% of the taxis tested failed.

Another operation which began last month involved police stopping random taxis on the city ranks and escorting them to the council's garage for testing.

Of the 64 taxis inspected, 33 failed the test.

The report went before a meeting of Dundee City Council's licensing board this week.

Councillors heard that for comparison, just 13% of the taxi fleet in Angus fails the annual test. In Fife, the failure rate is 5%.

Officers recommended that all drivers complete a daily checklist to ensure that vehicles are in working order before starting their shift.

Committee convener Stewart Hunter said: "For a number of years now, 50% of our taxis are failing their tests. That is not acceptable.

"Thankfully nothing serious has happened but that could happen next time.

"This is also about protecting drivers as well. I think this is a sensible way to move forward."

Report by Liam Rutherford at Local Democracy Reporting Service.