A taxi driver was taken off the road last night, after police officers found him to be risking the lives of his passengers with an ‘incredibly bald tyre’ and no safety equipment.
The Swindon driver, who was ferrying two drunken passengers at the time of the stop, was forced to change his tyre at the roadside – losing him the Covingham-bound fare.
The silver Volkswagen Passet estate had one illegal bald tyre and two nearly-illegal bold tyres.
More worryingly, the hackney carriage wasn’t equipped with a first aid kit or firefighting equipment which is required by law under the terms of a private hire license.
Before he can drive again, the man will have to present paperwork confirming his tyres have been changed to Gablecross Police Station. He will also be reported to Swindon Borough Council.
The traffic stop was part of a larger police operation carried out on Drakes Way in Swindon yesterday evening. Dozens of vehicles were stopped and vehicle checks were undertaken.
