A taxi service provider was recently issued a prohibition notice after on street inspectors found a taxi with unroadworthy tyres. The rear tyres of the car had insufficient tread, and the driver of the vehicle was directed to stop driving the car immediately. There is no excuse for driving with bald tyres. It is dangerous and puts the driver, the passengers and the general public at risk.
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One of the Commissioner’s strategic priorities is compliance. Service providers must ensure that vehicles providing passenger services are road worthy. This should typically involve undertaking regular visual checks as well as ensuring manufacturer’s recommended service is completed.
Tyres must have a tread pattern of at least 1.5 millimetres deep in a band that runs continuously across the tyre width that normally comes into contact with the road. The vehicle in question is not permitted to be used as a passenger service again until new tyres have been fitted and a safety check completed (either Pink Slip or E-safety check) by an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS).
Vehicle standards is one of thirteen safety standards that apply to taxis and hire vehicles (including ride share). It is a condition of authorisation that vehicles are maintained according to the law and the Commissioner takes breaches to this safety standard seriously.
Information on safety standards for taxis and safety standards for vehicles providing booked services can be found on our website, including detailed information on vehicle standards and maintenance.