Taxi Driver Online

Deceitful taxi drivers are being targeted in a clampdown on Somerset cabbies who overcharge.
It comes after a pair of newlyweds were left out of pocket on their wedding night.
Taunton Deane Borough Council is warning it will take a tough line with the taxi trade in cases of dishonesty after prosecuting the driver responsible.
Michiel Scribbins, 64, of Mill Leat, Hemyock, pleaded guilty by letter at Taunton Deane Magistrates’ Court to an offence of overcharging. He was ordered to pay a total of £535 in fines and costs – and to repay £8 to the couple he overcharged.
The court heard that Mr Scribbins overcharged the newlyweds to take them to their hotel following their wedding reception at West Bagborough House, West Bagborough, on March 4. He charged £30 for the journey to Cedar Falls near Bishops Lydeard at about 11.15pm on the night of August 8, last year.
He also failed to use his taxi meter, contrary to conditions made by the council.
After receiving a complaint, licensing officers investigated the incident and discovered the journey should have cost no more than £22, even after making allowances for disputed waiting times.
Cllr Tim Slattery, who holds the council's environmental services portfolio, said: “Overcharging is a serious matter. The public has a right to expect fairness and honesty from licensed taxi drivers and this is clearly not acceptable practice.
“I would urge the public to make sure that taxis use their meters for every journey without exception, and to ask the driver if the correct tariff is being used. The amount shown on the meter is the maximum amount that the driver can charge, and waiting time is automatically taken in account.” After pleading guilty by post, the Magistrates ordered Mr Scribbins to pay a fine of £235, costs of £235, legal costs of £50, a £15 surcharge, and to repay £8 to his passengers. Magistrates confirmed that the guilty plea reduced the level of fine by £115, meaning the penalty could have been £350.
The council has the power to take further action against a driver who fails to use their meter by way of a licensing committee hearing. If a driver is deemed not to be a fit and proper person, their licence may be revoked.

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/news/Cr ... ticle.html

Looks as though he may be retiring earlier than he thought, if he can afford to!! I would imagine that could mean a suspension at the very least unless the LA there think he's been punished enough