New initiative to tackle bogus cabs
TAXIS in Pendle are set to display their firms' names and phone numbers in a bid to cut down on bogus cabs. Most Hackney carriages for hire in the borough are plain red cars, marked only with their council licence plate and the licence number.
But at a meeting of Pendle Council's licensing committee tomorrow (WED), members will be asked to introduce new rules, meaning that both Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles must be clearly marked with the firm's name and contact details.
There are 70 licensed cabs in the borough at the moment, with some working from council ranks while others are directed to private hire work from other operators.
The report by engineering and special projects manager officer Jackie Allen said it was difficult to identify which firms cab drivers were working for if they were subcontracting, and that the practice also meant enforcement officers could not tell whether cabs were picking up pre-booked fares or plying illegally for trade outside pubs.
Police have backed the move, saying it would help them trace potential witnesses to crimes and cut down on incidents where girls are sexually assaulted after being tricked into getting into bogus taxis.
Sergeant Mark Baines, of Nelson police, said: "Anything that could help identify taxis properly to police and members of the public is great news and we will support it all the way.
"It is important for anyone getting in a taxi to ensure they are in a bona fide vehicle, but having all taxis clearly marked should help people make that decision."
Taxi safety campaign group Taxiwise also praised the plan. Celestina Clarke, from the group, said: "We are delighted at the phenomenal number and variety of initiatives which are being implemented to try to reduce the number of people raped or sexually assaulted by unlicensed taxi drivers every year."
The move would also help in cases of grievances against drivers. Nelson company Four Star Cars had its licensed reinstated last week after the company said blind pensioner Brenda Midgeley could not prove that it was one of its drivers who had refused to carry her guide dog.
|
