Wolverhampton taxi firm's licence revoked over uninsured cars

Westside Radio Cars – based in Wolverhampton – had four uninsured cars and an insurance anomaly on another vehicle.

It came to light after an investigation by council bosses into the Stafford Street firm, which found that it had jeopardised public safety.

The local authority's licensing sub-committee met to discuss the Westside case and elected to revoke its licence.

The committee heard evidence that the company had also used cars that were unlicenced.

Councillor John Reynolds, city services boss at the council, said public safety would not be compromised.

He added: "Ensuring public safety is of paramount importance for the council when licensing taxi drivers, vehicles and operators.

"The council does not take decisions such as revoking the licence of an existing business lightly and our licensing staff work hard to support operators to ensure they meet the relevant requirements.

"However, the safety of the public must not be compromised and when that is put at risk, we will not hesitate to take action."

The company has 21 days to appeal the decision to the magistrates court and can still trade during this time, pending any subsequent appeal.

Westside declined to comment on having its licence revoked.

It comes just days after taxi bosses in the city held showdown talks with the council on plans for older Hackney Carriages to be used on the city's streets.

Taxi drivers last week said they were frustrated at the council's refusal to budge on a policy to allow licences for older cars in Wolverhampton.

They claimed there were already too many taxis in the city and fear that allowing older vehicles would make the situation worse.

New Hackney Carriage drivers would be allowed to buy taxis up to four years old under the plans – with that increasing to six years in 2015.

Parminder Sekhon, chairman of Wolverhampton Taxi Owners' Association, said any such move would lessen the quality of taxis in the city.

Last year drivers held a go-slow protest around the city centre with almost 100 taxis flooding the streets.

That was over controversial plans to increase the number of black cabs in Wolverhampton.