Taxi Driver Online

Beware of rogue taxis

By Steve Sowden

Yeovil Express


SOUTH Somerset District Council is ensuring residents travel safely during the festive season by carrying out a campaign targeting pirate taxis.

The campaign was highly successful last year when two pirate taxi operators were caught. It is hoped that people will become more aware of the differences between licensed taxis and un-licensed taxis.

All licensed taxis have a red or yellow licence plate on the back of the car, a driver licence inside the vehicle, and the driver must wear a photo ID badge.

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Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and cannot wait at taxi ranks. They must also have a radio linked to the operators' base. Hackney carriages have a fare chart inside.

The council's principal licensing officer, Julia Bradburn, said: "It is a big problem this time of year as the Christmas party season really kicks off and there are lots more people trying to get home after a night out."

Cllr Ric Pallister, the council's portfolio holder for housing, environment protection and inclusion, added: "We are hoping to catch any unlicensed taxis operating in South Somerset, and urge the public to be vigilant. To be sure residents are getting into a licensed taxi, they should ask to see the drivers ID badge."

The district council has distributed posters and leaflets to pubs across the district urging residents to be more vigilant when getting into a taxi.

The council will be carrying out enforcement work over the festive period with the police. Any unlicensed taxis will be handed to the Police to take the relevant steps against them.

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

Should be easy to spot because of the skull and crossbones surely? LOL