All vehicles for hire (taxis, limousines, and private vehicles like Uber and Lyft) are licensed to ensure public safety and consumer protection. By-law regulations are in place to ensure that vehicles providing transportation services are safe and roadworthy.
During the week of October 8-11, Municipal Compliance Services conducted a vehicle inspection blitz, focusing on private vehicles for hire to ensure compliance with the Vehicle for Hire By-law.
The following data summarizes the results of the proactive blitz:
- 80 private vehicles for hire were randomly selected
- 47 vehicles attended the inspection
- 13 vehicles failed inspections
Vehicles failed the inspections for the following reasons:
- Vehicle age exceeded limits
- Bald tires
- Engine warning light on
- Excessive window tint
- Body damage
Vehicles that failed inspections were removed from service. However, some made repairs, were re-inspected, and passed.
“The number of vehicles that failed the inspection is concerning from a public safety perspective,” noted Orest Katolyk, Director of Municipal Compliance. “Owners of vehicles that did not attend inspections will be subject to further enforcement measures and removed from ride-sharing platforms. Given the high failure rate, further proactive compliance initiatives will be implemented.”