New Rules in Blackburn: Taxis with Major MOT Faults to Be Suspended

From March, taxi drivers in Blackburn with Darwen will face immediate licence suspension if their vehicles fail an MOT due to major or dangerous faults.

Currently, drivers can leave an MOT testing centre even if their vehicle fails, provided they promise to fix the defects. However, some continue operating without making the necessary repairs, putting passengers at risk. Similar measures have been taken elsewhere, as seen in a police operation suspending five Huddersfield taxi licences for safety.

Under the new rule, any taxi failing an MOT with significant faults will be removed from service. The licence will be suspended, and the operating plate will be taken away. The vehicle cannot be used for private hire or Hackney carriage services until it passes a retest or obtains a new licence.

Council’s Justification for the New Rule

The council says the change is necessary as too many drivers have been continuing to operate unsafe vehicles. Common issues found include brake failures and steering problems, which pose serious risks.

A council update to taxi drivers stated:

"Any vehicle found on test to have a dangerous or major fault (as categorised by the DVSA) will have its license suspended and plate removed, and it must not be used for private hire or Hackney work until the suspension has been lifted on a re-test or a new licence has been issued."

Martin Eden, strategic director for environment and operations, explained the decision:

Martin Eden stated:

"From Saturday, March 1, any vehicle that fails its MOT test and is categorised as ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ will have its licence suspended and number plate removed.

"We have seen an increasing number of drivers put passengers at risk as they carry on working with defects, rather than getting their vehicle repaired.

"Drivers should keep their vehicle in good order to ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers, and to avoid failing an MOT."

Impact on Taxi Drivers

Taxi drivers are concerned that this rule will result in lost earnings, as a failed MOT could leave them unable to work for several days while waiting for repairs and a retest.

A taxi driver said:

"It can take a few days to book a taxi in for a retest.

"If a car fails its MOT and gets fixed the same day or a day or two later, drivers may be off the road for up to a week until a retest is available."

A taxi test in Blackburn with Darwen costs £62, with retests priced at £32 or £46, depending on their length.

The council insists the change is necessary to remove unsafe vehicles from the roads and protect passenger safety.