Defects force Whangarei cabs off the road

File Photo / Michael Cunningham

Unsafe seatbelts and worn tyres have led to 10 Whangarei taxis being ordered off the road.

The taxis failed inspections after a New Zealand Transport Agency fleet audit at the end of May.

The agency declined to say who had been running the unsafe taxis.

Kiwi Cabs owner Paul Casserkey said his taxis were "all squeaky clean" and he would not be impressed if "one of my boys got a green sticker".

A1 Cabs owner Sue Gregory said her fleet had not been affected by the audit and hung up when asked whether her taxis were in working condition.

A taxi receives a green sticker and has its Certificate of Fitness revoked if it has safety issues. The taxi has to be re-tested and issued a new certificate.

Agency spokesman Rick Barber said the 10 taxis were green-stickered for insufficient tyre tread, worn inner steering rack, corrosion or rust, excessive engine oil, power steering oil and exhaust leaks, twisted suspensions and worn or damaged seatbelts.

Mr Barber said taxis were on the road a lot more than private cars and were expected to be maintained to a higher standard.

"As vehicles age, it becomes more important that these vehicles are regularly maintained for the safety of their drivers, their passengers, and for other people using the roads.

"In some cases, it was obvious ... that vehicles had not been maintained to the level expected."