Dangerous and filthy fake taxi seized after Garda tip off
An unlicensed taxi being operated in Cork was detected by gardai, who moved quickly to seize the vehicle and start proceedings against the driver.The Toyota Avensis saloon, which displayed a roof sign and a fake taxi plate number, was picking up passengers despite being in an unroadworthy state with a filthy interior.The vehicle was found to be untaxed, uninsured, with no NCT and fitted with bald tyres. Gardai acted on intelligence and stopped the car last week, Cork Beo reports.In a social media post, officers highlighted the dangers, saying: "Gardai detained a vehicle last week after an intelligence-led operation."An unlicensed taxi, no NCT, tyres bald and not roadworthy. Vehicle impounded and towed. The only 'pickup' this unlicensed taxi was getting was the one by the tow truck."Pictures of the vehicle shared by gardai show the tyres had large chunks of rubber missing and were down to the threads. What looks like large amounts of loose tobacco were left all over the front footwells of the car.This case follows a concerning increase of fake taxis operating on Irish roads. Last year, gardai and the Revenue Commissioners launched a campaign targeting unlicensed taxi operators across Munster, including a vehicle seized at Cork Airport.Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.
