Taxi Driver Online

Ashfield branch of National Taxi Association urge Ashfield District Council to take action against rogue drivers


A GROUP of frustrated Ashfield taxi drivers are calling on council bosses to do more to protect the industry against rogue drivers.

The Ashfield Branch of the National Taxi Association says Ashfield District Council is not doing enough to protect passengers from overcharging, dangerous driving, a lack of knowledge of the Ashfield area and sexually suggestive comments to lone female travellers.

The branch also claims that the problem has grown worse over the last 12 months, with complaints from angry passengers continuing to grow,

Nigel Marchant, branch secretary said: “People are complaining to the council but are getting nowhere so they are coming to us.

“Ashfield Council point blankly refuse to do anything about these complaints unless the person who makes the complaint goes into the Council offices in their own time and makes a statement. Someone making a complaint should not have to do this.

“The council has a duty to protect passengers, but the situation is getting worse and worse. I have been driving taxis for more than 20 years and it is important that the travelling public have trust in their drivers.

“People have the right to be transported safely and fairly. The time has now come to take action and bring this appalling lack of service to light.”

A spokeswoman for Ashfield District Council told Chad it was a responsibility that they took very seriously.

She said: “Every complaint received by the Council is considered and investigated with appropriate action being taken.

So far this year, the Licensing Team have responded to 24 complaints in relation to hire vehicles and drivers. Complaints are investigated thoroughly and in line with Government guidance and best practice.

“Where there is sufficient evidence, the council takes action in accordance with our enforcement policy/Licensing Terms and Conditions and will utilise all enforcement actions as appropriate.

“Some complaints are made anonymously with no details of driver, vehicle or Company being provided. Due to the lack of specific details it is difficult to take action or investigate further in these cases.”

source: http://www.chad.co.uk/news/local/ashfie ... -1-5095702

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Unfortunatly for a council to take action the complainant has to make a statement so that everything is ready for taking the driver to court.

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Grandad,

So if they ask an old lady who's been charged £10 for a £3 job to hike over to Kirkby in a Taxi to make a statement that's the thick end of £30 she's been releived of only for the Council to turn round and say, we advise you not to take this case any further.

Why not do home visits for the elderly and those without Transport.

The councils don't have the money for even the basics any more.

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Grandad,

Well they should do they rob £75K plus a year from us.

One woman has just phoned me and said she was overcharged on Monday, she phoned the Council yesterday who then said, "we aren't interested".

Sad times ahead.

With respect, you only have her word for how the conversation with the council went. Firstly, did the lady have a receipt for her journey? Without one how can it be proved how much was paid?

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Grandad,

Ermm because she has the same journey 4 times a week at the same time. She's phoned the council and told them she would go over and make a statement, the council said, "we aren't intertested."

Have you checked this with the council?

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Grandad,

Ermmm and what are the Counil going to tell me? I have no reason not to beleive this woman as I've picked her up many times before, as for the driver he's got form for over charging.

Then you could always try what I did. I booked 3 taxis from the same company that I knew were overcharging and not using meters and I got receipts from the drivers and I made the complaint myself.

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Grandad,