Taxi Driver Online

Tokyo World: Taxi driver tried to overcharge passengers during festival in Bristol

A taxi driver who tried to overcharge passengers during Tokyo World music festival in Bristol has had their licence suspended for six months.

The driver was pulled over after a problem was spotted with their cab’s ‘taxi’ roof sign, as part of road side checks carried out by police during the festival in Eastville Park in September 2021.

It was discovered that he had failed to use the meter for a fare within Bristol boundaries, and tried to overcharge the customers.

He was given a six month suspension on his licence after a report was taken to the Bristol City Council's public safety and protection committee.

Councillor Nicola Beech, cabinet member with responsibility for regulatory services, said: “The majority of taxi drivers in Bristol provide an excellent service, and spot checks help us maintain those good standards.

"Taxis are a vital part of a sustainable transport network, and we want everyone choosing to travel by taxi in Bristol to be reassured they will have a safe and fair journey.

"If you think that you are being overcharged and do not want to confront the driver ask for a receipt at the end of the journey and report the matter to us.”

The driver now has 21 days to appeal the decision. If they do not appeal, the six month suspension starts after the appeal period has ended.

If you have any concerns about a taxi driver you can visit Taxi complaints - bristol.gov.uk.

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IDFIMH

Is a six-month suspension from earning a living a fitting punishment for a single offence of overcharging?

If this matter went to court the fine would be a couple of hundred pounds.

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IDFIMH

In my experience it is never a single offence. Drivers who do not use the meter round here do it all the time. this mush just got caught the once.

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Grandad,

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Depends on the circumstances, and no concrete evidence presented to suggest he was a serial offender.

Had a look last night for the minutes or any kind of official report that might shed some light, but often ill-advised to start looking down the council minutes rabbit hole

But, for example, what's the legal position if the driver forgets to put the meter on?

Asking for a friend...

From what I have read in the past and can’t remember where, if the meter the meter isn’t used in a hackney cab, the customer isn’t obliged to pay anything.

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now a licensed hackney driver

If the driver "forgets" or doesn't put the meter on until the journey has ended, I would say the the customer could still be asked for the flagfall simply because if the driver is challenged he can then put it on but then have to stop it straight away.

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Grandad,

In most cases the driver would have a good idea of what it should meter so as long as he asks for LESS than that he would be under the maximum fare and thus not overcharging

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Sorry, I don't agree. You can't charge more than is shown on the meter so if you don't turn it on until the job is finished then you can only charge the flagfall or if you don't turn it on at all then as "agabbycabbie" says, you can't charge.

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Grandad,

Agree with grandad, even with the agreement of the passenger you cannot charge more than the metered fare within your licensing district.

Councils should ensure all licensees know the LAW they operate under whether they be Hackney Carriage or Private Hire, after all you should know the LAW to be a Fit and Proper Person.