DETAILS of strict new Government tests aimed at dramatically improving the quality of Darlington's taxis have been outlined for the first time.

Representatives from Darlington Borough Council and the police were given a presentation on the twice-yearly Vehicle Inspectorate tests at the town hall.

Later in the month, taxi drivers will get a more detailed briefing on the changes, which will come into force at the inspectorate's Banks Road centre in September, replacing the council's own tests.

Alex Fiddes, the agency's North-East regional manager, said similar schemes had produced major improvements in Plymouth and Taunton, Somerset.

New requirements will include detailed checks on wiring, internal and external lights, steering and transmission of the borough's private hire and Hackney carriage vehicles.

Brake pads must be at least 3mm thick and no brake pipe corrosion will be allowed, while a 2mm tread depth is the minimum requirement across the entire width of tyres, including the spare.

Seatbelts must be fitted to all seats and toughened glass in every window.

All drivers will be required to carry regulation first aid kits and fire extinguishers.

Major reductions in exhaust emissions will be necessary, and any corrosion causing perforation to a body panel will result in a vehicle being failed.

The tests will cost £40, and £20 for a retest, but drivers have been told the price of their plates will drop by £30.

Mr Fiddes said: "What we can do is take a far more stringent and robust enforcement course."

Serious defects will see taxis impounded, and signs of negligence will lead to prosecution.

"That is going to be a major disincentive to any operator in Darlington to come to us with a vehicle which is not in a roadworthy condition," he said.

"The only way a prohibited vehicle can be removed is on the back of a car transporter."

Garages which have given MoTs to taxis which are not up to standard could also face prosecution.

Regarding the other two areas where the testing took place, Mr Fiddes said: "In the first six to eight weeks, it was dramatic, the amount of fails, because I don't think people believed we were going to do what we said we were going to do."

Taxi operators last night said they were reserving judgment until they had the full details, but could not foresee major problems with the plans.

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