Complaints about taxi drivers in Bristol have doubled in the past five yearsCOMPLAINTS about taxi drivers in Bristol have almost doubled in the past five years, with allegations including assault, dangerous driving and refusing to carry a pet dog.
Drivers' conduct, skills behind the wheel, parking and pricing have proved the biggest problem for passengers in the city.
But allegations of assault have also increased to the council, despite complaints to the police remaining steady.
The city council received 231 complaints about licensed drivers between October 2014 and September this year compared to just 122 in the same period five years ago.
Despite the mass of complaints, the council revoked no drivers' licences between October 2014 and September this year.
One driver charged with a sexual assault had his licence suspended.
Councillors even allowed a driver with a conviction for driving without due care and attention; another person found in possession of cannabis and one man with an assault conviction to either continue or start in the job.
Renewals and applications turned down by the council included those from a rapist, a married man cautioned for soliciting and those with convictions for violence, driving and dishonesty offences.
Worries about the conduct of a driver increased from 46 to 64; allegations of dangerous driving went from just five to 32 and no parking issues were reported five years ago, compared to 26 in the most recent year.
Complaints about six alleged assaults carried out by taxi drivers were made recently and three people went to the council believing the motorists had stolen from them.
That compares to just one allegation of assault five years ago, after a confrontation about blocking a bus stop, and just one alleged theft.
Despite the increase in complaints to the council, police recorded a drop in crimes reported to them where the suspect was a taxi driver and the offence occurred while he was working as such in Bristol.
A spokesman for Bristol City Council said the increase in complaints was down to a combination of factors – including a 10 per cent increase in the number of drivers, a better reporting mechanism on its website and taxi marshalls recording complaints.
"Some complaints relate to out of town taxis," he said.
"This is a serious problem for the authority and one which we take extremely seriously, committing significant resources into tackling the issue.
"We are actively working with and encouraging local authorities responsible for licensing these taxis to take appropriate action. Beyond that, Bristol City Council has no regulatory control over their activities unless they are committing criminal offences within the area.
"Some of the complaints categorised as conduct of driver also relate to out of town drivers which distorts the data."
In order to get a licence, drivers must complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, along with driving and knowledge tests.
All complaints are looked into and the council can issue advice, prosecute or bring drivers before a public safety committee and revoke their license.
Detectives in Bristol investigated 19 reports of crimes this year, compared to the 25 five years ago.
More recently crimes reported included affray, assault, violence, sexual assaults, kerb crawling and soliciting.
But just three of those reported crimes were passed on to licensing chiefs at the city council.
A spokesman for police said: "Notification of an offence to the licensing department is managed on a case by case basis based on the risk posed to the public."
Complaints to Bristol City Council about taxi drivers between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015Conduct of driver 64
Alleged dangerous driving 32
Parking 26
Fares enquiry 25
Overcharging 20
Lost property 15
Out of town issue 8
Alleged assault 6
Refusal to take fare 5
Unlicensed driver 5
Alleged using mobile while driving 4
Alleged plying for hire 4
Refusal of wheelchair 3
Alleged theft 3
Allegation of abusive language 2
Alleged threat of assault 1
Cyclist accident 1
Guide dog refusal 1
Littering 1
Refusal to carry pet dog 1
Soiling charge query 1
Tints of vehicle 1
Total 231
Complaints to Bristol City Council about taxi drivers between October 1, 2009 until September 30, 2010Conduct of driver 46
Overcharging 14
Refusal of fare 12
Alleged dangerous driving 5
Alleged using phone when driving 5
Meters not used 5
Smoking in vehicle 4
Alleged abuse and aggressive behaviour 3
Alleged dangerous or reckless driving 3
Driver had no badge 2
Alleged speeding 2
Wheelchair refusal 2
Alleged assault and blocking bus stop 1
Alleged theft 1
Concern regarding driver's health 1
Cyclist incident 1
Alleged driving without due care and attention 1
Allege erratic driving 1
Failure to negotiate fare 1
Failure to give way at junction 1
Fares query 1
Health and mechanical concerns 1
Alleged inconsiderate driving 1
Late pick ups 1
London style taxi without plates 1
Misuse of disabled parking and verbal abuse 1
Refusal to do more than one drop off 1
Tax disc expired 1
Alleged violation of Highway Code 1
Using a bus lane 1
General complaint 1
Total 122
Crimes taxi drivers were charged with in the course of their work by Bristol police in between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015*Note: An individual may have been charged with more than one offence
2 x charges of cause a male 13 or over to engage in a penetrative sexual activity
2 x drink driving
2 x failing to stop after a road accident
Driving without due care and attention
Driving without reasonable consideration to other users
Use of threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour
Failure to report a road accident
Assault of a police constable
Assault causing actual bodily harm
Possess an offensive weapon in a public place
Sexual assault on a female
Use a Private Hire Vehicle without displaying plate or disc
Read more:
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Complaints ... z3vnu94eLC
Login
Register
FAQ
THICKOS AND VEN'S RIGHT ABOUT THE MUT !
