Taxi drivers propose strike over delays at Dudley test centre

Members of Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Drivers Association say they are being forced off the road due to waiting times.

MOTs can be carried out at any garage, but more specific checks to ensure taxi safety must be done at Dudley Council's own garage in Brierley Hill.

The council recently moved from a single bay testing facility in Netherton to one capable of seeing two cars at the same time in Narrowboat Way.

But if vehicles fail tests, drivers claim it can be three days before they can secure a re-test, losing them income while their car is off the road.

Taxi driver Abrar Munshi, aged 33, from Stourbridge, says he lost up to £300 in earnings after having to re-book a test after his vehicle failed for a faulty headlight and brakes.

But he says after taking his car to a garage to be repaired, they gave the car a clean bill of heath - and when it was re-tested by Dudley Council's own inspectors it passed having had no work done to it.

Mr Munshi, who works for Falcon Cars in Stourbridge, has made a formal complaint to the council about the issue.

"I have lost confidence in the tests," he said.

"This is costing us money and I haven't even had any work done to the car and it passed at the re-test.

"I have made a official complaint to the council about it."

Association chairman Shaz Saleem said: "We are going to have a meeting in the next few days but we may have no choice but to go on strike.

"If the council can't handle the number of car then we must be allowed to use independent garages. "

Dudley councillor Rachel Harris, who oversees taxi licensing, said: "Our priority is that the taxi and private hire vehicles in the borough meet the highest standards to ensure passenger safety.

"For that reason we want all vehicles to go through our state-of-the-art MOT testing facility in Brierley Hill, where we have worked closely with VOSA and other agencies to put in a testing regime, using automated technology, that is consistent, transparent and fair.

"It is in all our interests to avoid re-tests but with the facility having a greater capacity, we are reducing waiting times to get the appropriate work carried out to ensure cars are safe to carry the public.

"We will continue to talk to the association to ensure our residents and visitors get the highest standard of service."