Hull 35 Cars' loud branding a new weapon in war against unlicensed vehicles
STANDING OUT: Aaron Wilkinson, general manager at 35 Cars, with two of the branded cars.
THE boss of East Yorkshire's largest private-hire firm is winning the fight against unlicensed cabs by covering his vehicles with prominent branding to help people on nights out.
Gary Wilkinson, director of 35 Cars, believes people were mistaking unlicensed taxis for his fleet of private-hire vehicles, putting themselves at serious risk.
Mr Wilkinson has been given special permission by the council's licensing committee to cover 12 of his 400 vehicles in branding to improve safety.
Mr Wilkinson, whose company is based in Holderness Road, east Hull, said: "On a night, when I'm in my own car, I will often see people step out into the middle of the road trying to flag cars down.
"People just want to get home. But they are putting themselves at risk.
"A Hackney Carriage is immediately identifiable as a taxi. But it's different with a private-hire vehicles."
Mr Wilkinson said the "wrap-up" branding, as it is known in the industry, in addition to a license plate, means fares can be assured they are getting into a licensed vehicles.
He said: "There is still a problem with unlicensed vehicles, although it is not as bad as it was a couple of years ago.
"I got the idea after reading a piece in the trade press about a similar scheme in Accrington.
"As well as improving safety, we are finding we are losing less trade. Fares can find us easily."
Mr Wilkinson approached the licensing committee at Hull City Council at the end of last year.
The local authority told Mr Wilkinson it will review its decision in February next year.
"If I am allowed, I'll do it for all 400 cars," said Mr Wilkinson. "It is not cheap – about £1,000 per car, but it is worth the expense."
Mr Wilkinson said his drivers have been left frustrated by illegal taxis operating around popular drinking spots.
He said: "Some of our drivers have reported seeing their fares drive off in unlicensed taxis. That is frustrating.
"I am aware that my drivers have, in the past, chased after these drivers, got their registration plate number and we have then passed it on to the police and the council."
Mr Wilkinson believes the council and police are getting to grips with the problem.
He said: "Licensing are out at different times of the night and day checking details. It is improving.
"Some of the problems are simply down to people being drunk and just wanting to get home after a night out.
"People are just getting into a car and asking the driver to take them home.
"Illegal taxi drivers are hanging around the pubs and clubs and people are approaching them.
"That is when problems, which we have seen in the past, start to arise.
"If there is an accident, the passengers will not be insured for any injury."
Unmarked cars warningKEITH Fenner, licensing manager at Hull City Council, said: "All taxis and private hire vehicles in Hull must be licensed by Hull City Council. Vehicles and drivers must pass a set of checks in order to hold a licence.
"Council Enforcement officers and police also regularly conduct spot-checks on taxis and private hire vehicles to ensure they meet legal and safety requirements.
"Members of the Licensing Committee agreed to approve the signage that this taxi firm will be using, as it makes it easier for customers to identify the car they have booked.
"We always advise people to pre-book private hire vehicles, hail only Hackney Carriages and avoid any unmarked car."
For more information, visit the Hull City Council taxi safety page or call 01482 300300.
Read more:
http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hull-35- ... z2wiN7UFJm
Login
Register
FAQ
