CLOCKING THE COWBOY CABS
TAXI drivers in a Valleys town are taking drastic action against what they claim are “dangerous” unlicensed drivers stealing their livelihood.
A spokesman for the Tredegar Taxi Association said they felt the time had come for more direct action to be taken against ghost cabs operating in the town and are warning customers about the dangers of travelling with them.
However, the drivers have asked to remain nameless after claiming they have been threatened that their vehicles would be damaged if they spoke out.
The spokesman said the group was now considering a protest drive through the town to highlight the problem.
He said: “At busy periods, unlicensed drivers are blatantly flouting the law to make money. Not only is it taking money out of our pockets at such a difficult time, what with the recession and low employment levels in the area, but it is also – and more worryingly – putting lives at risk.”
The association say there are vehicles being driven by people who have not been properly checked out, meaning they have not been subject to a proper medical or criminal records check, nor are they properly insured for transporting paying customers.
They added: “It’s very frustrating for us because as licensed drivers we have to submit our vehicles once a year for a very thorough test to make sure they are roadworthy and at the moment this costs £150.
“Unlicensed taxis are driving around on normal VOSA MOTs which are much cheaper and which aren’t as stringent in their checks.”
A spokesman from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council said they take reports of unlicensed taxis very seriously because of the risk to the public.
They added: “We investigate all complaints about unlicensed taxis and take action as appropriate, ranging from issuing warnings to formal cautions or taking court proceedings.
“In the past two years, we have brought 14 prosecutions against unlicensed drivers and/or vehicles operating in Blaenau Gwent – and issued a further nine cautions.
“We work proactively with Gwent Police to organise regular joint operations in the county borough to ensure that taxi companies and drivers are abiding by the relevant hackney carriage laws.”
Customers are advised to look out for the official Blaenau Gwent Council licence badge and anyone with information about unlicensed taxis can call 01495 355961 in confidence.
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