7 Mar 2008
Crackdown on over-charging cabbies
FIRST it was car parking charges and overzealous traffic wardens, now
dodgy taxi drivers are at risk of driving visitors away from the resort.
Overcharging by resort cabbies is on the rise, according to Blackpool's
licensing bosses who have sworn to clamp down on the illegal practice.
The recent conviction of a hackney carriage driver for overcharging two
teenagers during a sting operation has highlighted a problem which town
hall chiefs say must stop.
Henry Mitchell, chairman of the town's licensing committee, said the cheats
were harming the town's reputation.
He said: "Taxi drivers are often the first face a visitor sees when they get
to Blackpool off the train or the bus, that's why as a council we are so
concerned with smartening them up and ensuring they are abiding by the laws.
"Sadly, there are some who will flout the rules.
"Overcharging is not acceptable. It creates a bad image for the resort and
leaves a bad taste in the mouths of visitors. If you are ripped off when
you come to Blackpool why would you want to return?"
Victoria Cartmell, the council prosecutor, said there had been an increase
in complaints from the public.
She said: "We have been getting complaints from people alleging they
have been overcharged by a taxi driver. But, as a conviction this week
shows, we are taking a tough stance and will prosecute people we catch."
The council is trying to tackle the issue but, said Coun Mitchell, the secrecy
of the public protection committee meetings means the offenders are dealt
with in private.
He added: "It is a shame because the public would be reassured to know
the council is holding these people to account and taking licences off
people who break the rules.
"This recent case sends out a strong message that overcharging will not
be tolerated and I would just hope the courts back our decision when it
goes to appeal."
But Trevor Boaler, an experienced Blackpool cabbie and former secretary
of the Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operators Association, said most drivers
were honest.
He said: "Most drivers are honest, hard working, decent people but with
2,000 drivers in the resort there will be some rogue elements.
"It isn't an inherent problem in Blackpool but is has been seen here and
around the country.
"Customers can also play their part in ensuring they are not duped.
"The meters are set and sealed by the local authority and the rates
agreed, so if the meter is used the customer should be all right.
"But the design of some cabs is that the meter is on the dash board and
can be fiddled with. It is up to the travelling public to make sure the meter
is set at the start of the journey and if they think it has been touched
during the journey then say something.
"The trouble is people often think they have been overcharged when they
haven't because they don't realise meters measure distance and time so,
even if you are sat still in a traffic jam, the meter will still be running."
Source: Blackpool Gazette
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