‘Taxi fares surge as snow falls’ complaints spark investigation
There have been claims that taxi drivers have been ripping off customers in Aylesbury town centre
CLAIMS that black cab drivers have been using the snow as an excuse for a big freeze price hike are being investigated by licensing officers this week.
Aylesbury Vale District Council, which regulates taxi and private hire firms in the area, has confirmed that it has received several complaints over the weekend from customers who have been overcharged by taxi drivers.
And it has appealed to other members of the public who feel they have had a rough deal to get in touch.
Licensing manager Peter Seal said: “We have had complaints that hackney carriages have been going off meter. The law is that they must use their meter and cannot charge extra.
“If this does happen to anyone I would urge them to get as much information as possible so we can carry out a full investigation.”
Mr Seal said that one taxi driver is currently under investigation and if found guilty he could face a suspension of his licence or a fine.
He added: “We had a similar problem with private hire vehicles last year, but unfortunately that’s something we cannot control as they don’t use the meter.
“Unfortunately in these extreme weather conditions people do try to exploit it to make extra money, but it is wrong and unlawful.
“With private cabs you should always agree a price up front and stick to it.”
Tom Halvey of Aylesbury complained to the council after two members of his family were allegedly overcharged.
He said: “My sister was charged £7 for a trip from The Harrow to near Aylesbury prison. The driver then stopped to pick up more people on the way and charged them as well.
“When she said what he was doing was illegal the driver became very threatening and started shouting abuse at her.
“He then radioed for backup and another driver parked up alongside. It is outrageous behaviour.
“My brother had a similar experience on Sunday when he called a hackney carriage and they asked him for £10 without using a meter.
“He said it was illegal and they should be using the meter so the driver asked for £8 instead.
“It is unbelievable that they are using the weather as an excuse to rip people off.”
Another passenger who claimed to have been overcharged said: “We were coming back from the town centre on Saturday night which normally costs about £3.50 but we were charged £10.
“The driver said it was double due to the weather.
“My daughter then made the same journey on Sunday and was charged £12 as they weren’t using the meter.
“She’s only 16 so it’s lucky she and her friends had the money. What would have happened if they couldn’t afford to pay?
“If they had a valid reason for it then you might understand but it is just exploitation.
“Doctors and nurses have to get to work in the snow but they can’t charge double so why should taxi drivers get away with it?”
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