Cab driver 'took satisfaction' from vandalism on rival taxi companyAN ACT of vandalism on a rival taxi firm and four window cleaners operating in West Fife without a licence have been reported to the police.
Fife Council’s new licensing enforcement officer also had cause to speak to a niffy cabbie and pulled up another for wearing a jogging suit.
Donald Jenks looked at 31 complaints or allegations of non-compliance and carried out 51 spot checks in November and December.
The police were involved after a complaint about a taxi driver “who had been present when a passenger he had carried vandalised a private car owned by a member of staff of another operator”.
“The complaint suggested that the driver had acted improperly by taking the suspect away from the scene of the crime and in some way took a degree of satisfaction in witnessing the crime,” Mr Jenks reported.
“Police Scotland confirmed they were investigating the incident and had noted a detailed statement from the driver who had fully assisted with the enquiry, supplying information that led to the identification of the suspect.”
Others who fell foul of the law were four unlicensed window cleaners in West Fife, traced after a patrol and later charged by police with an offence under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
Mr Jenks added, “As a result of this operation and subsequent media coverage, 24 applications for window cleaner licences have been received.”
Councillors at the regulation and licensing committee were given a full report on enforcement covering taxi drivers, operators and ranks, unlicensed cabs and private hire cars, second hand dealers, tattooists, knife and metal dealers, late night caterers, street traders and window cleaners.
In total, seven people were reported to the police, three verbal warnings and 13 advisory letters were given and applications for four licences received.
There were no issues or no action taken in 41 cases.
Mr Jenks said, “Public safety is being improved through direct action being taken; for example where immediate action is taken to address minor defects relating to taxis and the joint work with Police Scotland to identify unlicensed window cleaners.”
The police were called after reports that two unlicensed taxis were operating – one of which “related to takeaway premises offering lifts to customers for a charge”.
Mr Jenks explained, “The police investigated but could not obtain sufficient evidence to take formal action. The premises concerned were warned about the allegation and that action will be taken should it continue.”
An allegation of an unlicensed taxi bus between Limekilns and Dunfermline turned out to be a minibus operating legally under a contract between Stagecoach and Fife Council to ferry bus passengers affected by road works that had disrupted the local bus service.
But action was required with a taxi driver warned after he failed to stop after colliding with a parked van.
Another complaint arose out of a dispute between neighbours and Mr Jenks said, “The majority of complaints were not related to his status as a taxi driver, however they gave concern about his general conduct and failure to inform the licensing unit of a related conviction. He was warned about his conduct.”
Advisory letters were sent to seven taxi operators in West Fife after photographs were taken of vehicles parked on double yellow lines next to ranks. A driver was spoken to “after a personal hygiene complaint was received” and advisory letters were also sent out for: no smoking signs not displayed; dirty vehicle interior; dress code not complied with – someone wearing a jogging suit; fare scale notice not displayed; a vehicle with no rear head restraints.
A verbal warning was given to a cabbie in West Fife after a complaint about speeding taxis in a residential area, and another to a private hire car driver who was parked in a taxi rank.
A “relatively young taxi driver” agreed to attend the Pass Plus programme after a complaint about his driving.
An allegation of overcharging was made but the passenger could not be spoken to directly, the cabbie “maintained his denial and no formal action was taken”.
source:
http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/ro ... i-company/
Login
Register
FAQ
