Taxi Driver Online

Tout 'threatened to kill licensed taxi driver' in Heathrow cab war



Graffiti: a London cab allegedly vandalised in a row over airport trade

Police are investigating attacks on black cabs amid tensions between licensed taxi drivers and minicab touts over lucrative routes from Heathrow.

Three men were arrested after taxi drivers were allegedly followed home from the terminal and had their vehicles damaged. About 6,000 licensed London taxis work from Heathrow each day.

They are the only vehicles that airport operator BAA permits to pick up fares.

A BAA “tout squad” works with plain clothes detectives to catch those plying for trade illegally. But confrontations have been reported between legitimate cabbies and unlicensed drivers “trying their luck” at the arrivals gate.

One licensed driver, who asked not to be named, said: “I’ve been targeted several times. It started last year when I caught this guy nicking our work. I challenged him and escorted the passenger back to the rank.

“The next day his brother was waiting for me. He followed me from Terminal 1 to Enfield.

“I called 999 but before the police arrived he boxed me in and was threatening to kill me. He was arrested and given a restraining order and community service.” Cabs have been daubed with graffiti and one driver alleged that his brakes were cut.

A journey from Terminal 1 to Oxford Circus costs between £60 and £80, depending on whether or not the journey is pre-booked with the official airport agent.

Grant Davis, chairman of the London Cab Drivers Club, said an equivalent trip with an unlicensed driver would start at £100, with reports of passengers paying more. He said: “We’ve had marshals assaulted, followed home and run off the road.

“[Touts] are putting not only drivers but passengers at risk.” Police are investigating reports of criminal damage to a cab in Northolt on New Year’s Eve. The Met have linked the attack to another incident on the same day in Walworth. Three men have been arrested and bailed until next month.

BAA said: “We work hard to clamp down on illegal taxi touts. A ‘tout squad’ including taxi marshals patrols the airport looking for known offenders and we work closely with CID. We encourage passengers to use the Heathrow Express, Piccadilly line or black cabs from our ranks.”

source: http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/t ... 91174.html

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