Taxi Driver Online

U.K. Regulator Says Minicabs May Be Illegally Fixing Prices



Nov. 14 (Bloomberg) -- A U.K. antitrust regulator said that people who use ``minicab'' taxis might be taken to the cleaners every time they book a trip to the airport.

The Office of Fair Trading said today it received complaints that minicab operators, which are distinct from black taxis most often associated with London, may have set prices based on a per mile or minimum journey basis. The OFT said price-fixers may face fines and even the possibility of imprisonment.

While taxis are classified as public transport and are allowed to set fares, minicabs must be pre-booked at an agreed price by consumers.

``There may be a particular lack of awareness among private- hire vehicle operators of the stringent civil and criminal laws against price-fixing,'' the regulator said in today's statement. It said it had received ``a number'' of reports of price-setting among drivers.

The OFT has been cracking down on cartels, with at least six ongoing investigations. It is also prosecuting one of its first criminal cases of price-fixing against one current and three former executives of British Airways Plc.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

That's because many of them are crooked.

Simple.

Possibly true, but aint they got more important thing to do?

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

make every PH mini cabs fit a meter, set at the same rate as the hacks in all areas

Thats more against competition rules than owt else!

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Possibly CC,
But then again all our hack tariff sheets state that its the maximum fare and the driver is free to give a discount if they wish.
So it would not hurt the PH to install meters

Yes it would.

PH covers more than mortal wannabee's...what about limo's that are now part of the licensing arrangement?

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

No it wont, they now come under PH so they to should be forced to fit them as well.
If you carrying fare paying passengers you have a meter fitted and engaged, end of problem

But it wont happen Skip.

How can you tell a limo driver he has to charge the same as a second hand carleton?

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

When people book a minicab they should ask for the price.
I would be in favour of a meter, saves all the arguments.

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stressed controller!!!

I think it's quite a common occurrence to be taken to the wrong place.

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IDFIMH

Watchdog targets minicab cartels


Published: November 15 2008 02:00 | Last updated: November 15 2008 02:00

Minicab companies involved in open fare-fixing conspiracies that have even been announced in the local press have become the target of the competition watchdog.

The Office of Fair Trading - more noted for its scourges of big industries such as aviation, building and supermarkets - issued a warning yesterday over brazen breaches of competition laws by private-hire vehicle operators across the country.

The clampdown highlights concerns that many employees of businesses big and small still do not know that price-fixing is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in jail.

Simon Williams, OFT director of cartels, said the minicab trade had some "rather unusual features" that indicated "widespread ignorance" of competition law, in locations ranging from north-west England to Walthamstow in east London.

He said: "I don't recall any other industry where you have people announcing in the press that they are increasing their fares after colluding with their competitors."

Mr Williams said a spokesman for cab businesses in an area of Lancashire had used a local newspaper to apologise to customers for a price rise that the companies had agreed because they felt they had no choice.

The OFT plans to work with minicab industry bodies on an education programme, although it pointed out that it would take tougher action if this had no impact.

Mr Williams denied that the restrained approach showed the watchdog was either admitting that ignorance of the law could be an excuse, or was guilty of double standards in the way it enforced the rules.

The construction sector appealed for similar leniency this year after the OFT said it might fine scores of companies for allegedly illegal bidding practices that were widespread and even appeared in industry textbooks.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Is this the same OFT that wanted taxi delimitation which leads to no competition in terms of prices?

FFS

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

How do you come to that conclusion?

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

Because private hire virtually disappears and everything becomes HC with regulated fares.

You hire any cab in my city tonight for an average 2 -3 mile fare you will be charged the same amount in each cab from any firm.

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin