“IT’S HARD ENOUGH” -Taxi drivers suffering from undercut ‘fares’
LOCAL taxi operators say that their livelihood is being affected by unlicensed drivers taking ‘hires’ for undercut fares - but are also concerned about the risks that this practice poses to passengers.
Drivers who contacted the Standard told of their anger at what they claim is the “blatant” use of private cars to pick up paying customers at discounted rates.
One taxi operator said: “If you are looking for a taxi and a car shows up without a ‘Taxi’ roof light, no badge on the rear and no meter on the dash, then do not use or enter the vehicle - it’s not a taxi.
“It might be cheaper but its uninsured. Please be warned.”
Another operator said: “I had suspicions that this was happening for a long time, and chatting with other drivers confirmed it.
“It is quite obvious and it seems to be school run trips in particular - doing a £5 run for £2.50, for example.
“I know that we are in a recession and parents may want to save money, but it could cost them dearly if their child was involved in an accident while travelling in such a vehicle.
“The reason that licensed taxi operators have to pay such high insurance premiums is because of the extensive cover. If you are in an accident in a taxi, and you are injured and unable to work, then our insurance covers you for that period. If it happens to you in an unlicensed car, then you won’t get a penny.”
“There is at least one on the go and probably others,” said another driver. “Trips out to Sandbank industrial estate are a problem too.
“I have seen it happening blatantly while I have been out working.
“It is hard enough for us as it is - petrol prices are rocketing and we have to cope with that.
“We are already paying out substantial costs for insurance, for our licenses. But if we put our prices up, we will lose even more business.
“We really feel it when more licensed cars come onto the road as it is, and this situation is making it even worse. Taxi drivers view it as theft, plain and simple.
“But what do we do? We are unhappy about it and have complained to both Argyll and Bute Council and the police, but it is still happening. We feel we are not getting the support that we need.”
Chair of Dunoon Taxi Operators Association, Michael McIntyre, echoed the concerns expressed by local drivers. “”It’s been happening for a long time. We have asked the authorities to investigate it, but police say it is hard to prove.
“However, we would argue that it is happening so blatantly, it can’t be that difficult.
“It definitely should be looked at again. There are big risks involved - anyone involved in an accident would not be insured, there could be no claim and no comeback.
“We would be more than happy to work with the police on this matter to get it resolved once and for all.”
Local councillor Alister MacAlister said: “The problem has been mentioned to me by a number of operators.
“Historically, police have maintained that unless they actually see money changing hands, it is difficult to prove that they are hiring.
“But action needs to be taken. This situation could have serious implications for passengers.”
Aside from the risks associated with the lack of appropriate insurance cover, entering an unknown vehicle with no legitimate taxi markings, particularly late at night and for lone travellers, poses a personal security threat.
The Standard was unable to obtain a full comment from local police before going to press, but in an initial discussion, a police spokesman said: “We can take action if we are contacted and if as many details as possible are supplied, such as car registration numbers.”
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