Taxi Driver Online

Glasgow taxi driver to 'never accept a tip again' after being accused of being a 'thief'

A woman has complained about a taxi driver after paying too much for a cab to Glasgow Queen Street station and accusing him of leaving the meter off.

Driver Andrew Chapman appeared in front of a licensing committee today over a complaint from a passenger who claimed he charged her £20 for a black taxi.

The woman believed it should only have been £8 but the committee heard the journey would have normally cost about £13.

An officer from the taxi and private hire enforcement unit told councillors that the woman was taken "aback" after being told it was £20 for the trip in July.

She referred to Mr Chapman as a "thief" as part of her complaint to the council's enforcement unit.

She also claimed the driver blocked a footpath at the station when he dropped her off - annoying passersby.

Appearing in front of councillors today and explaining the £20 charge, Mr Chapman said: "All I can think of is that the lady gave me a tip."

He added: "It was £13 - she made it £20."

Mr Chapman insisted he had put the meter on for the trip and the passenger had said: 'make it £20.'"

Refuting claims he had blocked a footpath at the station, he said he had parked close to the gate at the station and said two people were abusive towards him.

Black taxi driver Mr Chapman said he had been in the business for 35 years without any complaints.

Pointing out he had put the heating on for the passenger and wanted her to be comfortable, he said: "My main concern was to get her safely in the station."

Committee chair councillor Alex Wilson, SNP, asked: "Do you always have your meter on?" Mr Chapman answered: "Yes."

Mr Chapman told the committee how he had "been doing the job a long time" and stopped night shift as the "violence got too much".

He called for audio recordings to be available to show what goes on in vehicles.

Reflecting on the experience, Mr Chapman said: "I'll not be accepting a tip any more."

SNP Councilllor Zen Ghani said: "I find it odd after 35 years you would charge an extra £7."

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IDFIMH

That extra comment says to me the woman was a troublemaker and had it in for the driver.

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IDFIMH

That rings alarm bells as well...maybe one of those types who think the fare should be a fraction of what it actually is, and kicks off about it...

But a £13 day job to a central station, thus it was presumably a pre-booked run, therefore less likely he'd have tried to rip her off, I'd guess...

But don't believe that the driver will refuse all tips in future

Maybe the council's LOs could try a bit of test purchasing

Indeed, and if he does he is a mug.

Better to get CCTV.

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IDFIMH