AN undercover crackdown on private hire cars in Hyndburn has led to four drivers being accused of operating illegally.
Plain clothed police, licensing officers from Hyndburn Council and Lancashire County Council’s Safer Travel Unit, targeted drivers who flout the law by picking up passengers at the side of the road.
Four drivers have been ordered to appear at court accused of driving without insurance after illegally plying for hire. The offence carries a maximum penalty of £2,500 fine.
Officers are urging passengers, who travel in private hire cars, to pre-book the vehicle or they will not be covered by insurance.
Sergeant Simon Lynch said: “There are over 420 licensed taxis in Hyndburn and the majority are operated properly by drivers who take great care of their passengers. Unfortunately there are some who are less stringent in their standards and it is these who we are targeting.
“This was part of an ongoing operation, which has running since Spring, initially targeting standards such as mandatory equipment like fire extinguishers, first aid kits and the personal display of the drivers taxi badge. We have seen improvements in vehicle standards but regretfully have periodic reports of malpractice.”
“Some private hire drivers will try and take customers without a booking and people need to know that they will not be insured for that journey and that there are also potentially serious complications with police investigations if these journeys are not pre-booked.”
http://www.blackburncitizen.co.uk/news/
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