Taxi Driver Online

Licence suspension for taxi touts

It is illegal for taxis, including black cabs, to approach customers
Four taxi drivers caught illegally picking up passengers in Surrey have had their licences suspended.

The private hire drivers were caught after stopping to pick up undercover officers posing as passengers in Woking town centre on Thursday night.

Once in the vehicles, the passengers directed the cars to a rendezvous, where police and Woking Borough Council officers were waiting.

The drivers' private hire licences were automatically suspended.

Police are also considering prosecution, and the drivers will have to explain their conduct at a meeting of the council licensing committee.

Prior booking

The council said that despite touting for business illegally, the drivers and vehicles had the correct documentation, badges, plates and safety equipment.

But private hire drivers are licensed only to carry passengers who have a prior booking

The council said the operation followed a similar initiative in August, when two drivers were suspended.

"We hope this highly successful operation will send out a clear message to local taxi drivers that touting for business will not be tolerated," said the council's licensing manager Russell Ellis.

"We have every intention of carrying out further operations until we are satisfied that the message has been received and understood."

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

A council using the power of immediate suspension correctly?

Whatever next?

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Criminal offence under CJ Act 1994 s 167.

And far less time consuming to take to court, I would think.

_________________
Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.

Council using power granted by 2006 Road safety act

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin