UNION leaders have slammed moves to introduce strict safety regulations on taxi and private hire cars in Blackburn and Darwen.

The Transport and General Workers Union have labelled plans to bring in weekly tests as unreasonable.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has been running a series of campaigns to tighten up safety after a series of swoops revealed many vehicles are dangerous and badly maintained.

A penalty points system was introduced earlier this year in a bid to improve the standards of taxis and private hire cars.

And the latest plan would mean drivers and operators would have to keep a record of weekly mechanical checks carried out on all cars. But the public protection sub-committee has decided to delay a decision on the latest crackdown so the town's trade can be consulted about the measures.

The T&G, which represents many of the towns private hire drivers, has written to the council slamming the move.

Union official Jim Bowie, said: "The law gives the council powers to attach reasonable conditions to licences and these proposals cannot be considered reasonable by any stretch of the imagination. If there are difficulties with the standards of vehicles then the council should use a proper consultation process with the trade and their representatives to improve the fleet."

Maureen Bateson, vice-chairman of the public protection sub-committee, said: "Members of the public, particularly the vulnerable like the elderly and young mothers, have every right to to travel safely when they use public transport."

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