Taxi Driver Online

Concern over unlicensed mini-cabs

Taxi drivers in Middlesbrough are voicing their concern over the number of unlicensed mini-cabs operating in the town.

They said that about 50 people have put stickers on their cars in an attempt to pass themselves off as licensed taxis.

And they warn that people could be at risk from uninsured drivers or those who have not had criminal checks.

However, the council said it is aware of the problem, and has prosecuted more than 100 unlicensed drivers.

A council spokesman said: "We are currently doing enforcement activities with the police, on the basis of one weekend every month.

"In the past 12 months we have brought about 109 prosecutions which have led to disqualification from driving and resulted in fines of around £17,000."

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IDFIMH

we got a small problem with some PH drivers having removable magnetic door stickers. not just their firms number but the council licence plate too. i have seen some with just the licence sticker on the left of the car so they can tout without passing licenced cars from seeing them as a PH car. or taking them off so their missus car drive the car to work during the day.

i also heard of drivers putting the stickers on an unlicened / unchecked / private car while theirs was off the road.

surely once a car has been licenced and plated it is then a PH / taxi and not a private car, and should not have the licence sticker removed. leave the whole system open to abuse i think.

Once a cab/PH always a cab/PH, unless the license runs out or the council cancel it.

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IDFIMH