ALMOST half of the taxis stopped in Pendle for safety checks were found not to be fit for the road - despite efforts to rid the borough of faulty vehicles.

Following a report in August that revealed over half of the taxis in the borough were not roadworthy when first tested councillors had vowed to step up efforts to ensure safe journeys for people travelling in the vehicles.

But only 13 out of 24 vehicles stopped as part of recent spot checks were safe, with the other 11 failing due to faults with tyres, steering and seat belts.

As part of the operation taxis were stopped at random by police officers before being taken to the town’s Norfolk Street garage where they were tested.

The majority of the unfit taxis were able to go back on the road the following night as their the faults had been repaired and checked.

Coun Pauline McCormick, chairman of the Taxi Licensing Committee, said the results showed some progression was being made.

She said: “This is encouraging. Although we still have a way to go to make sure all taxis in Pendle are safe, it is an improvement.

“When we last did spot checks on Nelson taxis eight months ago, the faults were for much more serious things like suspension and braking.

“Every time we do these spot checks, we have the full co-operation of local taxi firms.

“They want to put right their vehicles and provide a quality service to local people.”

The council continues to work with the Police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to either get bad vehicles off the road or repaired.

Coun McCormick said: “If you want to report a taxi that you think may have defects, please get in touch with our taxi licensing team who will look into it.

“You might also want to tell us about a good service you’ve had from a Pendle taxi firm - we know there is good news out there too.”

Mohammed Akram, chairman of the Pendle Taxi Drivers Association, said improving vehicle saftey would be a gradual process.

He said: “I must say that this is a big problem with taxis across the UK and not just in Pendle, but we’re doing everything we can and I’m sure it will get better.”