Minicab drivers 'urinating in streets of Cranford' Councillor claims problem has become worse in Hounslow following a crackdown by Hillingdon Council Minicab drivers have been accused of using Cranford's streets as an open toilet
Minicab drivers have been accused of urinating and even defecating on Hounslow's streets as they wait to pick up passengers from Heathrow.
Drivers are relieving themselves into plastic bottles and throwing them into bushes in Cranford due to a lack of public facilities, a councillor has claimed, with reports of them defecating as well.
Cranford councillor Gurpal Virdi says the unsanitary behaviour has increased after Hillingdon Council cracked down on the act, pushing motorists over the borough boundary.
Hillingdon Council last month issued a Public Spaces Protection Order making it an offence to urinate or defecate in public in the Heathrow Villages area.
The order, which came into force on September 15, also prohibits spitting, abusive behaviour and leaving the engine running on a parked vehicle.
Anyone not complying can be issued with a £100 on-the-spot fine and ordered to leave the area for 48 hours.
"Some residents of Cranford have brought to my attention that minicab drivers are leaving their 'personal waste' on driveways and in the street," said Mr Virdi.
"Although in the past we have blamed it on dog fouling but it would appear there is a another menace in the area - the minicab driver. Plastic bottles full of urine are becoming a regular sight as well.
"The new order introduced by Hillingdon Council has pushed even more taxis onto Cranford roads."
Mr Virdi said the worst affected roads were Cranford High Street, Berkeley Avenue, Woodfield Road, Firs Drive, Burnham Gardens, and Cole Gardens, with the offending act most common in the evenings and at weekends.
He has encouraged residents to report any issues to Hounslow Council, recording the licence number, a description of the driver and the date and time of the offence.
He has also suggested placing a coin-operated public loo in Bath Road, at the junction with Cranford High Street.
David Blackett, the chairman of Heston Residents' Association, said public urination by minicab drivers in the Cranford area had been a problem for some months.
A Heathrow spokeswoman said: "Heathrow is working with neighbouring local authorities, residents, regulators and the private hire industry to address the impact this activity is having on the local community.
"We are developing a plan to deliver a better way for minicabs to serve our passengers at Heathrow including a new code of conduct for operators and their drivers aimed at improving behaviour and service."
source:
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/wes ... d-10197800
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