Bridgnorth taxi firms’ concerns over rogue driversTaxi drivers posing as members of local firms in Bridgnorth are causing chaos by driving the wrong way up one way streets and overcharging customers, it was claimed today.
Private hire drivers in the town, who are employed by local firms, and see themselves as ambassadors, have said they are being impersonated by out-of-town drivers who do not know the area and are not giving a good impression.
David Gordon, who runs TD Taxis, said: “These drivers have Shropshire plates and badges and are impersonating local firms.
“It’s becoming a big problem for the public because once they get in the car they are responsible for whatever’s on the meter.”
Shropshire Councillor Steve Charmley said the council would not tolerate any illegal activity by licensed drivers.
The licensing committee has recently revoked one hackney carriage licence and 20 more are under review.
James Mason, who runs A-Line Taxis and has driven hackney cabs in the town for 21 years, said: “They do not know the area and that’s when they start driving the wrong way up one way streets and they don’t know where to pick up. I’m embarrassed to be part of the trade with the way things are going. This is a tourist town and technically we are ambassadors for it.”
Peter Quinton-Jones, owner of Bridgnorth Taxis, said: “I am a private hire business and I’ve had four complaints since November with people getting into taxi and being overcharged because a certain driver has been pretending to work for Bridgnorth Taxis,” he said.
Councillor Charmley added: “As far as we are aware, no drivers have obtained a licence by falsely claiming to work for a local operator.”
Anyone with specific complaints should contact the council on 0345 6789026.
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http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2012 ... z1jdiIgkAQ
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