DETAILS of strict new Government tests aimed at dramatically improving the quality of Darlington's taxis have been outlined.

Representatives of Darlington Borough Council and Darlington police were given a presentation on the twice-yearly Vehicle Inspectorate tests.

Taxi drivers will get a more detailed briefing later this month on the changes, which will come into force at the inspectorate's Banks Road centre in September, replacing the council's testing.

New requirements will include detailed checks on wiring, lights, steering and transmission on the borough's private hire and Hackney Carriage vehicles.

Brakes must have a minimum of 3mm pads and no pipe corrosion will be allowed, while a 2mm tread depth is a minimum requirement across the entire width of tyres, including the spare.

Seatbelts must be fitted to all seats and safety glass in every window. All drivers will be required to carry regulation first-aid kits and fire extinguishers. Major reductions in emissions will be necessary and corrosion causing perforation to a body part will result in a fail. The tests will cost £40, or £20 for a retest, but drivers have been told the price of their plates will drop by £30.

Serious defects will see taxis impounded, and signs of negligence will lead to prosecution.

Garages that have given MOTs to taxis that are not up to standard could also face prosecution.

Meanwhile, taxi drivers being forced to put new roof signs on their vehicles fear the new uniformity could reduce safety for passengers.

John Singh, proprietor of Abbacab, raised the concerns.

When the changes are enforced, all Hackney Carriages will have to have plain white roof signs, bearing only the word 'Taxi'.

Mr Singh said he and other drivers feared passengers would not know which firm they were travelling with, which could lead to problems if they need to contact or identify the company.

But Barry Pearson, the council's commercial licensing manager, said the uniformity of the fleet would help people know that the vehicle they were getting into would be a licensed taxi.