A sting operation in Dudley has uncovered a minibus with a rotten chassis and another with no rear lights among 27 private hire vehicles and taxis inspected for school transport.
The operation took place at the Merry Hill Centre on October 21, focusing on vehicles transporting children to a nearby special school.
Unlike previous checks conducted at school sites, the sting operation was held at the center due to the number and size of vehicles involved.
Nick Slym, Dudley Council’s assistant team manager for licensing, explained that the checks were essential to ensure the safety of children being transported to school.
“We are checking to make sure vehicles are roadworthy, insurance and driving licences are in place, and all conditions of the licence are being upheld,” he said.
The vehicles were inspected by council officers, DVSA staff, and West Midlands Police officers.
All taxis/PHVs involved were from companies contracted to provide transport for children with special needs under strict conditions.
Andy Beaman, a transport officer with the borough’s travel support team, emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards for vehicles and operators.
“We require a standard from each vehicle and each operator,” he said. “We can go back now to parents and schools to show that all the vehicles have been checked and are roadworthy.”
In addition to the defective vehicles, the checks identified two illegal number plates, drivers without badges, and one driver without insurance.
Companies and drivers could face penalties, including criminal prosecution.
The two defective vehicles had their licences suspended and operators will need to demonstrate necessary repairs before they can be used again.
Councillor David Stanley, Dudley cabinet member for children’s services, emphasised the priority of children’s safety.
“Safety of our children and young people is paramount,” he said. “The majority of drivers and vehicles were found to have the standards expected, but there were a small number of drivers who were found to be contravening their licence.”
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