Posted on the 8th May 2025 in PHTM News

FIFE TAXI SAFETY SCANDAL QUARTER OF NORTH EAST FLEET DEEMED UNSAFE

Shocking safety failures have been uncovered in North East Fife's taxi fleet, with a damning report revealing that almost a quarter of vehicles tested were deemed unsafe.

Issues ranging from tyres riddled with nails to damaged seatbelts and even illegal number plates have prompted urgent action from Fife Council.

Out of 206 taxis inspected, a staggering 45 – or 22% – failed their initial safety assessments. The catalogue of faults included punctures, deep tyre cuts, defective seatbelts, and fluid leaks. In one alarming case, a taxi meter was found to be running too fast, potentially overcharging passengers.

The dire state of some vehicles has ignited fury among councillors. SNP councillor David McDiarmid expressed his outrage, stating: "If it was up to me, I would bring them all in, knock their heads together and knock some sense into them. Why have they not got it into their skulls these are the standards we set?"

While the majority of taxis (78%) passed their initial tests, the 22% failure rate in North East Fife stands in stark contrast to the significantly higher first-time pass rates in Levenmouth (92%) and West Fife (94%).

Former committee convener Carol Lindsay described the figures as "the worst set of figures she had seen in her 18 years on the committee," highlighting the persistent nature of the problem with some operators. "We have thrown every possible solution at this," she added, pointing to repeat offenders.

In response to the alarming findings, three committee members, including Convener Tom Adams, have agreed to an urgent meeting with the fleet service to formulate stricter measures against those repeatedly failing to maintain their vehicles to the required standard.

Convener Tom Adams minced no words, declaring: "It’s an atrocious set of figures. We in Fife are not going to accept it any longer. We’ll report back on what we come up with at the next meeting."

While those operators who maintain high standards were commended, the focus now firmly rests on addressing the significant safety concerns plaguing a substantial portion of North East Fife's taxi fleet, with the council vowing to take decisive action against negligent operators.


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