Taxi Driver Online

Drivers caught in pick-up trap

TEN private hire taxi drivers have been caught illegally accepting fares in Rochdale as part of a operation, which saw the police working together with Rochdale council.

The initiative was led by council licensing officers accompanied by officers from Rochdale North neighbourhood policing team who took to the town centre streets to crackdown on illegal pick ups in the early hours.

Hailing a private hire taxi is an offence under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 as the drivers are uninsured to pick up passengers from the street. These drivers will now face prosecution and added points on their licence.

Sergeant Brendan Walsh, from the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The initiative came together following a number of complaints made relating to the number of private hire vehicles picking passengers up illegally.

"We are pleased with the results of the initiative and want them to send out a clear message to offenders that Greater Manchester Police and the council will seek to prosecute anyone committing such an offence.

"It's important for passengers to remember that there are dangers involved in getting in taxis that haven't been booked. "By doing this not only are you putting yourself at risk but you are also sat in the vehicle of a driver that can no longer be considered insured.

'This is incredibly dangerous and leaves you open for other potential offences to be committed. "I'd like to remind those considering hailing a private hire taxi that they will be caught and their offences will not go unnoticed or unchecked."

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager at Rochdale Borough Council, added: "Not only is it a criminal offence for a private hire driver to pick up passengers that have not pre-booked, it's a dangerous activity for the public to be taking part in.

"We always recommend that passengers plan their journey home in advance by booking a vehicle with a licensed firm. "This is the safest and most convenient option for everyone."

If you have concerns over private hire cabs picking up passengers illegally the council's licensing team can be contacted on 01706 924114.

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IDFIMH

Whilst I don't approve of ph illegally picking up punters and I also understand the insurance point of view, so taking away the insurance aspect what exactly are the dangers of getting into a licenced ph vehicle that you haven't booked

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Are they going to prosecute the punters? Are they going to prosecute themselves?
They seem to sugest that the hailing is in it's self an offense.

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Grandad,

Also known as entrapment.

I wonder if any action would be taken if the driver advised to prospective customer to ring the office and gave them his driver number.

New buzz words 'test purchasing'.


Should get him off the unlicensed booking charge, not sure about a plying/touting charge though.

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IDFIMH