15.04.08
Vehicles taking passengers to Bristol Airport from nearby car parks were targeted by police and safety inspectors last week. Over 20 courtesy vehicles were examined to find out if they were safe and their drivers were properly licensed and insured during an enforcement clampdown.
A North Somerset Council spokesman said safety was paramount and it would take action against those flouting the laws. One vehicle was prohibited from use due to defects found by police, and some of the drivers stopped were found to have incorrect insurance, with one also having an invalid driving licence, the spokesman added.
The council takes an aggressive line on off airport car parks, which can be an eyesore and adversely affect residents with increased traffic, including at unsociable hours. It targets unlicensed off airport car parks for a speedy closure and fines, and will not allow planning permission for more off airport parking - which is usually cheaper than on airport car parking - despite the airport's growth. It looks like it is now targeting those car parks with permission too.
Due to the serious nature of the contraventions discovered in the operation, the council and police are now considering prosecution of the companies and individuals concerned. In our opinion, it might have been fairer to carry out checks on all courtesy vehicles - including the on airport ones - rather than just those being used by non Bristol Airport car park operators though.
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