Taxi Driver Online

If it's on the tariff sheet and the punter wilfully doesn't pay, then it could be a criminal matter.

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IDFIMH

As you say, it could be but not neccesarily. Also in this case the chap was charged more than the rate on the tariff sheet.

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Grandad,

So if you get to the other end and Mr/Mrs/Ms punter says take my phone drive whilst I get the money.............are you saying it is illegal?

I do not see any difference in having the phone as a deposit/guarantee that monies will be paid. One says I will give you my phone, the other has suggested they they part with their phone or whatever.............You/I have not actually taken it off of them! It has been given.

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if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

The difference is that if the puntes says here is my phone as a deposit whilst I get the money. He is offering.
It the driver demands the mobile phone as a deposit for a disputed claim for the cleaning, it would be illegal.

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Grandad,

A couple of years ago a driver round here did that turns out the phone wasn't the punters and driver was arrested ! didn't get charged though after explaining to police and handing over the phone

Not paying for soiling is classed as criminal damage, the passenger has defaced property. It's the same as writing on a bus albeit on a smaller scale.

So if you get a job out of town and the punter doesn't have any money what would you do? If he's got a phone you take it as a deposit until he comes back to the car, if he doesn't you've got the phone until he comes and pays the bill. It's the same with soiling a Taxi, if they've got no money I'll have thier phone until you've got some. If they don't pay I'll keep hold of it until they pay.

The point being from my point of view is that as much as you/I have demanded the phone! It has never the less been given and not actually taken. Providing no violence or physical threats have been made then I do not see the problem.

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if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

Of course there is no problem until the punter goes to the police and says that you DID threaten him or intimidate him and then I would bet pound to a penny it will be you facing the charges.

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Grandad,

That's why drivers with brains have CCTV.

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IDFIMH

And what exactly would you expect to see and here on the cctv in this situation?
Driver, excuse me sir but you have been sick on my seat.
punter, so I have sorry.
driver, I am afraid that you will have to pay the soiling charge of XXX.
punter, sorry but I don't have that on me.
Driver, Can you leave something of value until you have the money, such as your mobile phone?
punter, What a good idea driver, here you are.

I don't think so. It would be more like.

Driver, You f****ng wan**r look what you have done.
Punter, It's only a bit.
Driver, That is goin to cost you £XXX.
punter, Fu*k off mate you are havin a laugh.
Driver, Look ar**hole that is the charge now either give me the money or I want your phone as a deposit!
ETC.

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Grandad,

It would confirm, or otherwise if the driver did, as your previous post says, threaten him or intimidate him.

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IDFIMH