Bald tyres put skids under taxi driver

OLDHAM Council’s licensing panel has suspended a private-hire driver for four weeks following a conviction for driving his vehicle with bald tyres.

Abdul Hannan (39), of Franklin Close, Oldham, was stopped by licensing officers during a random check.

He was subsequently prosecuted following concerns he was not checking the condition of his vehicle.

Chairman of licensing Councillor Jim McArdle said: “The council takes the issues of passenger safety extremely seriously and will not hesitate to use its powers to ensure that this remains the case.

“Random checks on private-hire vehicles happen all the time and action will be taken whenever faults are found.

“Private hire and hackney drivers have a responsibility to check their vehicles for faults on a daily basis.”

Hannan has 21 days to appeal the suspension to Oldham Magistrates’ Court.