Taxi Driver Online

Essex Chronicle

July 27, 2006 Thursday

HEADLINE: Rogue taxis are targeted

Unlicensed taxi drivers transporting pupils to a school prom were targeted in a sting in Great Baddow. Borough licensing enforcement officers and a police traffic investigation officer swooped on Pontlands Park to detect illegally operated vehicles.

Nine vehicles, including six stretch limousines, are now being investigated following the operation. Council leader Roy Whitehead said: "We mean business when it comes to enforcing taxi standards and regulations. "The school prom season is a busy time for the trade, so it is the perfect time to catch rogue operators.

"Not only are there many risks in getting into an unlicensed vehicle, they also take trade away from the large number of responsible licensed drivers who work extremely hard for their living in the borough. "During the operation, our officers were careful not to inconvenience the promgoers. "We waited until the vehicles pulled up and the passengers had got out before checking licences and the number of passengers being carried.

"We did not want to ruin anyone's big night."
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