Taxi Driver Online

5 Mar 2008

Cowboy cabbies crackdown

Cowboy cabbies in Rhondda are being warned to keep an eye in the
rear-view mirror as authorities continue their campaign against those who
break the law.

The latest prosecution involved a licensed driver who used his own car –
which was not licensed or insured as a taxi – to take children to and from
school after his legitimate taxi broke down.

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “We are
well aware of the fact illegal drivers are a priority cause of concern for the
legal drivers who work hard to make a living and we have to respond to that.

“Licensing officers and police regularly carry out operations to check on
the legality of taxis and we take all complaints made to us by other drivers
very seriously – this is the second conviction this year as a result of
information supplied to us.

“We once again wish to make it clear that we need other drivers across
the county to keep working with us so we can take action against drivers
undertaking unlicensed journeys. Whilst this is a somewhat exceptional
case with some mitigating circumstances, we have a duty to apply the law
and ensure our essential taxi services are delivered in a safe, legal and
responsibly manner.”

Chief Inspector Richard Erskine, who heads community safety for South
Wales Police in Rhondda Cynon Taf, added: “We know how much residents
rely on the taxi service to take them shopping, to the doctors, to collect a
prescription or to get them home safely after a night out.

“That is why it is so important the trade continues to be operated by legal,
licensed drivers who do not put the public in danger.

“We respect and appreciate the efforts made by drivers to remain legal
and responsible and urge them to continue working with us so we can all
crack down on the cowboys who should not be on the roads, let alone
carrying fare-paying passengers.”

The council is also encouraging members of the public to contact them at
the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Licensing Department on
01443 442100 if they are suspicious over possible illegal taxi drivers.

Source: News Wales
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