On the face of it, the fact that 40 per cent of private hire cars and taxis in Bradford randomly stopped in a Council initiative failed on-the-spot inspections is a worrying one.

When we get into a cab or taxi we should be able to do so with confidence that the vehicle is being maintained to the very highest standard for the safety of passengers and other road users.

It should be noted, however, that the majority of these failings were down to relatively minor faults such as lightbulbs or wiper blades, which can easily and quickly be rectified.

Just because the faults are seen as small, however, does not mean that drivers or taxi companies can be complacent – indeed, there has been an increase in the number of vehicles failing these random checks compared to the last figures published in October last year, when 30 per cent of them exhibited faults.

Perhaps this increase is due to the number of checks being carried out, and if that is so then Bradford Council should be congratulated in its diligence for keeping on top of checks on vehicle roadworthiness and ensuring passenger safety is uppermost in drivers’ minds.

As these inspections continue, the message should be driven home to operators that their cars must be kept fully maintained at all times and, hopefully, send a positive signal to customers that the cars they climb into are subject to constant and regular testing.

Everyone should be working towards a reduction in the percentage of vehicles showing defects – whether minor or more serious – by the time the Council produces its next set of figures public.