Taxi firms awarded their new rankings

FOUR star service . . . John Flint, of Lady Jayne Limousines

THE scores are in . . . local taxi firms have been rigorously tested and rated to keep Oldhamers safe on the roads.

A trio of operators scooped top marks earning them a four star rating — the highest possible under the council’s Cab Safe scheme.

Royton firm Lady Jayne Limousines has become a four star operator, rising from three stars last time, while Cartax Radio Cars and Delta retained their four stars gained at an inspection six months ago.

Inspectors tested 42 companies on vehicle maintenance, promoting driver safety and dealing with customer complaints.

Marks were lost if drivers picked up penalty points or fines or if vehicles were not kept in tip top condition.

The scores awarded must now be displayed on the doors of all taxis in every fleet tested so customers can see at a glance if firms measure up.

Of the companies tested, 26 per cent have improved their ratings, 71 per cent have stayed the same and one operator is new.

Withdrawn

Red Cars, of Crossbank Street, has had its three star rating withdrawn and is now subject to an improvement plan after persistently failing to comply with licensing responsibilities.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “The purpose of the Cab Safe table and rankings are to show the people of Oldham which are the safest and most reliable firms in the borough — and to promote best practice among local operators.

“I’m delighted to see that more than a quarter of our licensed private hire operators have improved their performance and gained higher star ratings.

“Through signs on cab doors, this scheme shows passengers how the private hire firm they are using is performing and empowers them with that information to choose the better firms.

“I’m particularly delighted to see a limousine firm — Lady Jayne — achieve the highest four-star rating and they join Cartax Radio Cars and Delta as beacons of excellence.”




How they all fared



The results in full with previous scores in brackets






Four stars



Cartax Radio Cars (4); Delta (4); Lady Jayne Limousines (3)




Three stars



Britannia (2); Chadderton Cars (3); Chadwood 7 Seater travel (3); Choice Support & Transport (3); Crompton & Royton (3); County Cars (2); Embassy (3); Executive 7 Seater Travel (2); Five Star (3); Graham’s Traveliner (3); Home James / Six O (2); I & J Travel (3); JDE Chauffeur Services (3); Limeline (3); Metro Cars (2); Milrake Travel (new); Moorside Travel (3); Motown (3); Oldham Premier Airport Shuttle (3); Oldham Wheelchair Travel (3); Pete’s Cars (2); Royton Cars (1); Royton Minibuses (3); Skyline (2); Startax (3); Status 3 (2); Stephen Swain (2); Street Cars (3); Traveltax (2); UK Cars (3); Village Cars (3).




Two stars



Broadway (2); Busy Buses (2); Oldham & Bardsley Cars (2); Handleys Travel (2); Oldham Cars (2); Rollers/Telecars (2); Stirling Travel (2)




No stars



Red Cars (3)