Taxi Driver Online

Ah, the 'family badge' thing


Safety concerns raised over claims of unlicensed taxi drivers operating in Dundee

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/busines ... -concerns/

Dundee City Council says it has received complaints about the issue.

Concerns have been raised over claims people are driving taxis without a proper licence in Dundee.

Dundee City Council says it has received complaints about the issue, and that regular checks are being made on ranks.

Meanwhile, taxi drivers say stronger enforcement and better identity checks are needed to stop anyone operating illegally.

One experienced Dundee taxi driver, who asked not to be named, said the issue had become a growing concern within the trade.

He claimed some drivers believe a so-called “family badge” arrangement allows relatives or associates to drive licensed taxis despite not holding the required licence.

The driver said his biggest concern was passenger safety.

Dundee taxi driver raises safety concerns over licence claims

He told The Courier: “It’s really dangerous.

“You’re often carrying vulnerable people late at night, particularly young women who have been drinking.

“Getting passengers home safely is a huge responsibility and I take that very seriously.”

He believes more proactive enforcement is needed.

“I’d have no problem if the police stopped me for five minutes to check my badge and my details,” he said.

“That’s how they’d catch people who shouldn’t be driving.”

The driver also claimed many legitimate operators were “frustrated” by the situation.

He said: “It costs a fortune to do this job properly with the right insurance, the right licence and a decent vehicle.

“If people are cutting corners, they’re undercutting those of us who follow the rules.”

The concerns have also been raised by taxi drivers’ union Unite.

Chris Elder, who represents taxi drivers through the union, said members had discussed the issue with Dundee City Council licensing officers and were seeking further talks with Police Scotland.

He said public safety was the priority.

“For the safety of the public and the safety of drivers, we need a better way of checking that the person getting the job is the genuine licensed driver,” he said.

Chris questioned how some drivers unfamiliar with Dundee’s roads appeared to be operating taxis and said the union wanted stronger identity verification.

Among the measures proposed are face-recognition technology linked to drivers’ dispatch devices, ensuring only the licensed driver can accept fares, and a clearer “on-service” identification card displayed prominently inside every taxi.

He said: “Drivers don’t have a problem with legitimate badge checks.

“The concern is making sure checks are carried out in a way that actually catches anyone operating illegally.”

Council ‘aware’ of claims unlicensed taxi drivers operating in Dundee

Responding to the concerns, a Dundee City Council spokesman said the authority was aware of complaints.

They said: “The council is aware of concerns regarding individuals allegedly driving licensed taxis without holding the appropriate taxi driver’s licence, having received complaints about the practice.

“Council staff and Police Scotland have the power to investigate when allegations of this type are received and regular checks are made on ranks, at all times of the day and night, to ensure compliance.

“Anyone who has any concerns about this should contact the council or Police Scotland.”