LIVES are being put at risk by unsafe taxis on Keighley’s roads, it is claimed.

Fears have been voiced after it was revealed that around a third of taxis are failing basic safety tests.

Some faults are so serious, vehicles are having to be taken straight off the roads.

Bradford Council claims pass rates are improving, but admits the situation gives “cause for concern”.

Now urgent action is being demanded to tighten-up procedures.

Stuart Hastings, chairman of Keighley Private Hire Association, has written to council chiefs over the issue.

“Politicians, councillors and council officials all know there are major flaws when it comes to safety standards in our industry,” said Mr Hastings, who owns Metro-Go Private Hire.

“Refusing to accept the issue by not implementing stricter guidelines, heavier fines and direct action against those manipulating regulation won’t exonerate the council from responsibility should injury, abuse or a fatality occur due to an unsafe vehicle or driver.”

He claims that of vehicles being called in by the council for testing in Keighley and Bradford , at 24 hours’ notice, 38 per cent are failing – with “serious faults” being found in more than a fifth.

“The council should recognise that those most reliant on our taxi firms – many of which have contracts with the council for transport of the infirm, the elderly, sick and those with special needs – are under the misguided impression that a licensed vehicle is a safe one. They deserve to be told the reality.

“Time for action is long overdue.”

Councillor Michael Westerman, who chairs Keighley Town Council’s watch and transport committee and the independent Keighley Public Transport Watch, agrees that urgent measures are needed.

“The failure rate is totally unacceptable and Bradford Council must clamp down,” he said.

“Some of these taxis are transporting children to and from school, and carrying elderly and vulnerable passengers. People’s lives are being put in danger.

“We have some very good taxi firms, but urgent measures have to be taken against those operating unsafe vehicles.

“Why is 24 hours’ notice given of checks? On-the-spot inspections should be carried out and any defective vehicles be removed from service immediately until the necessary work is carried out by a registered, reputable garage.”

Keighley MP John Grogan feels that national, legal minimum standards are required.

He says current licensing laws for taxis are “outdated” and that the Local Government Association, of which Bradford Council is a member, has been calling over several years for change.

“Some taxi laws date back to 1847 and the era of horse-drawn hackney carriages,” said Mr Grogan.

“The current patchwork of outdated laws leaves councils with restricted powers to enforce licensing requirements in their areas.

“Moreover, if a driver has been banned or refused in a particular area, it is difficult for councils to be able to stop that person from gaining a licence somewhere else if the driver does not disclose their previous history.

“Also, the current law takes no account of the increase in app-based taxi services, which has led to concern over how new models fit within the outdated framework and results in legal challenges which are costly and disruptive.”

Bradford Council says vehicle failure rates are dropping, and that passenger safety is a priority for the authority.

A spokesman added: “We’re confident the vehicle inspection system achieves its purpose of making sure taxi customers are as safe as possible, which is our number one priority.

“Vehicle failure rates continue to give cause for concern, but they’ve fallen from 40 per cent to 30 per cent, and we’re confident that by working closely with the trades this figure will continue to fall.

“As an incentive to keep vehicles in good condition, last year we introduced a £100 re-test fee for vehicles which failed a safety inspection because of a major fault.

“Our licensing service is in constant dialogue with the trades and welcomes comments on vehicle safety to ensure improvements continue where possible.

“We’re confident Bradford taxis compare favourably with those from other local authorities and will continue to do so in the future.

“A recent independent review of Bradford Council’s taxi operations identified passenger safety and good practice as the main priorities of the service and found it was operating in accordance with the highest national standards.”