UPDATED:
A sting on Tauranga and Mount Maunganui taxis found 18 out of the 25 vehicles pulled over had faults, including one that was ordered off the road with severely-worn front tyres.
Operation Double Trouble was a joint operation between New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and the police on Friday night that
saw taxis directed to an inspection facility.
The taxi with worn tyres was "pink stickered" while another four taxis were given green stickers for having serious defects and were ordered to be driven directly home or to a place of repair.
Some of the defects included worn tyres and suspension. Another 13 taxis were issued "Green 2" stickers for issues such as oil leaks, cracks in tail light covers and broken number plates.
Those taxis were allowed to continue on the road but drivers were ordered to present the NZTA with evidence of repairs within five days.
Log books were also checked for signs of driver fatigue and many were found to have not been filled out correctly
Sergeant Dennis Hogan from the Western Bay of Plenty Police Commercial Vehicle Inspection Unit said it was pleasing that vehicle conditions had improved since the last joint operation held in Western Bay of Plenty in April last year.
However, one defective taxi was still one too many, Mr Hogan said.
"Operators need to ensure that their vehicles comply with the relative legislative requirements 365 days of the year, not just on the day they obtain a Certificate of Fitness," he said.
"Passengers don't expect to pay for a service in a vehicle that is substandard or where their safety could be compromised, nor will we allow them to be put in that position."
NZTA regional manager of access and use David Pearks said the operation was part of the NZTA's role to ensure taxis are safe and legal.
"While some problems were found, we were pleased to see overall taxi safety standards and compliance levels in Tauranga appear to be improving."
