Taxi Driver Online

Councillor calls for investigation on ‘rip off taxi fares’


Avonmouth councillor said he has received “numerous complaints” over covert pricing practices constiuents have encountered, particularly over the weekends


A councillor in Avonmouth is calling for an urgent investigation into how some taxi drivers “rip off” passengers travelling out of the city centre.

Earlier this month, Bristol mayor George Ferguson approved an average 8% rise in the cost of a three-mile taxi journey made during the day within Bristol, after a review of rates by Bristol City Council.

But according to Conservative councillor Wayne Harvey, some Hackney Carriage drivers are “regularly ripping-off customers”.

He said he has received “numerous complaints” from constituents over covert pricing practices they have encountered, particularly over the weekends, including:

• People being charged per head;
• Meter’s not running in certain cabs;
• Drivers deliberately not taking the most direct routes to destinations.

Cllr Harvey has said he wants Cllr Mark Bradshaw, the cabinet member with responsibility for transport, for a full investigation to be carried out by licensing officers.

“It is absolutely outrageous that customers, especially those who live on the fringes of the city, are regularly being fleeced by some cabbies in this way,” he said.

“For example, in one reported instance, instead of driving from the city centre to Shirehampton Green – via the A4 Portway – the blue cab driver chose to travel across Durdham Downs. This circuitous route was then used to justify charging passengers a whopping £35 fare. My constituents were ripped-off.

“Such behaviour gives all licenced operators a bad name and, if allowed to go unchecked, will end up simply killing the trade.

“Therefore, I am urging the cabinet councillor with responsibility for such regulatory matters to investigate and, where applicable, clamp down on these anti-competitive sharp practices.”

According to the council, for journeys outside the city boundary, taxi drivers do not need to use their meter. The council says it is up to the passenger to negotiate the fare with the driver before they set off. The driver must tell you the fare to be paid before you go and, if you can’t agree, you should find another taxi and negotiate with the driver there.

source: http://www.bristol247.com/2013/11/26/co ... res-78114/

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

Tory steps up call for action on Bristol’s rip-off taxi drivers


Councillor said response to issue was “wholly inadequate” and called for a summit of taxi companies and regulators to stamp out the “rogue traders”


A Tory councillor has stepped up calls for a full inquiry into taxi drivers who rip-off passengers travelling out of the city centre.

Last month, we reported how Avonmouth Conservative councillor Wayne Harvey wanted action against Hackney Carriage drivers who were “regularly ripping-off customers”.

He said he has received “numerous complaints” from constituents over covert pricing practices they have encountered, particularly over the weekends, including:

•People being charged per head;
•Meters not running in certain cabs;
•Drivers deliberately not taking the most direct routes to destinations.

Since the issue was highlighted, Bristol City Council officials have told Cllr Harvey they intend to take action by using decoy passengers to catch out the “rogue traders”, as well as educating the public on how to report rip-off drivers.

But Cllr Harvey said the response was “wholly inadequate” and called for a summit of taxi companies and regulators to stamp out the practice.

“The suggested way forward from council officers was, to be frank, wholly inadequate and lacklustre,” he said. “The travelling public have every right to expect a much more dynamic approach to this problem.

“I want a meeting of all the different bodies involved in supply and regulation of taxis and the message sent out that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in this city.

“It must be made clear to drivers that if caught out once operating in this way, they will be issued with a clear warning. A second offence should be punished by revoking their licence.”

http://www.bristol247.com/2013/12/10/to ... ers-19632/

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