A majority of taxi cabs in Windsor, Ont., need work, according to the results of a bi-annual inspection by the city's licensing department.

The city inspected nearly 200 taxis on Oct. 5 and found about 75 per cent had some sort of problem.

Minor citations ranged from wear and tear on car interiors to paint that didn't match, but some were much more serious.

'Absolutely a horrible reflection for the community.' — Diane Bertolin, licensing commissioner

Some cabs had seat belts that weren't operational, back seats that weren't clamped in properly, and doors without handles.

"Absolutely a horrible reflection for the community," said Windsor's licensing commissioner, Diane Bertolin.

"If you're looking to boost tourism, if you're looking to maintain tourism, your first contact is with your cab driver," Bertolin said. "Trunks were filthy. Seats were filthy."

Inspectors handed out more than 100 major and minor work orders, requiring repairs or touch-up to the cabs, infuriating some drivers.

"We were basically disrespected," said Didi Johnston, the city's supervisor of compliance and enforcement.

"There was confrontation with myself and another driver," said Johnston. "Enforcement officers had to basically get in the way."

Spring Strike Blamed

Bertolin blamed Windsor's struggling economy and a 14-week strike by 300 unionized drivers at Veteran Cab, the city's largest cab company, last spring for both the condition of the cabs and the behaviour of the drivers.

"I think those all contributed to the safety lane just being an absolute mess and very difficult for us," said Bertolin.

The drivers, represented by Canadian Auto Workers Local 195, walked off the job April 2, 2009 over an increase in rental rates, and changes to sick days.

Safety inspections usually happen twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

The Veteran Cab strike prevented the spring inspection, leaving a year-long gap between safety reviews.

The Licensing Commission will introduce changes for the spring 2010 inspections, including having police on site as security for the inspectors.

City officials say it may also be time to bring in a sensitivity course for taxi drivers.