Cabs withdrawn for safety tests

Some 11 vehicles in Brighton and Hove are to undergo checks after TX4 models across the country were affected by under-bonnet fires.

In the latest incident in London, the driver had only 45 seconds to escape the blaze.

Brighton and Hove City Council has licensed 25 of the taxis, of which 11 have the GX56 registration associated with the problem.

A spokesman said: “We’re likely to ask drivers to have safety checks on these cabs by a certain deadline, as is happening in London.”

Twelve TX4 cabs have burst into flames since being issued in October 2006.

LTI, the firm which manufactures the cars, said it would work closely with the Public Carriage Office (PCO) to ensure passenger and driver safety.Taxis will need to pass an engine safety inspection before being allowed back into service.

Transport for London, which has 600 taxis requiring the tests, said the affected TX4 models could be taken off the road if they failed to pass the checks.

A spokesman for LTI said: “To increase the capacity for inspections, LTI and taxi cab dealer Mann and Overton will now work extra shifts, operate an increased working day and open this Saturday and Sunday.

“Two expert independent fire investigators and the leading engineering design company, Ricardo, have also been contracted to help pinpoint the cause.

“LTI would like to reassure drivers that driver and passenger safety will always be a priority for LTI and we are working closely alongside the PCO at this time to solve this issue.

“LTI remains committed to finding the cause of this problem and a speedy effective solution.”

Mick Hildreth, manager of City Cabs in Brighton and Hove and GMB secretary for Hackney carriages and private hire cars in the provinces, said: “There are great concerns nationally about these vehicles and their safety.

“The GMB will be taking it up with the PCO and the vehicles will have to be checked to make sure they are safe.

“Drivers and passenger safety is the priority.”