Taxi Driver Online

I am new here and signed up for some much needed advice,hope there are people here who can direct me on the best course of action to take.

I work with a small family run taxi business,weve been operating for around 2 years,have a good group of regulars and a good reputation.

in the last week or so weve noticed a new taxi service started in our area..i dont have a problem with that at all,i am all for people trying to earn a living..

i went through the usual general enquiries like,,mmm who are these guys,so i checked with local authority to see where they are based and what do you know,they had never heard of them,aparantly they made an enquiry about an operators license in the area we are based but it seems no aplication was submitted.i have seen them several times picking up from local bars and clubs in the area.I have even seen 1 of there vehicles with no ph plate nor a hac plate on.this started to raise my suspicions even more..there cars with plates are out of distric hackneys so i assume they are running from a booking line.

next i hear from a customer that they aproached her and handed her one of there cards claiming they were "our" taxi company but have changed our name and number.


PLease advise on best course of action.

regards..

As regards the licensing aspect, presumably you've contacte the relevant local authority?

As regards claiming that they're you, that would amount to 'passing off', which you would have to see a solicitor assuming you can't approach them yourself, maybe by writing them a stiff letter. However, unless they're using your name on their cards or whatever, if they are only saying to people verbally that they're you, then it would be difficult to prove.

But I think a good start would be your local authority licensing department.

_________________
Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

Looks like a "set up" is in order! complete with tape recorder.

Hi

My advice would be to say and do nothing, the licensing authority will find out about them without your input, carry on as usual and dispute any involvement with this cowboy outfit if asked.

Regards

Eric

You could get your local press involved, but then punters might think the iffy firm is yours.

Maybe you should blitz your regular punters with a flyer saying your number hasn't changed, or a big fat advert in the local rag.

But whilst you are doing all that you have got to get your licensing department to act, and maybe have a chat with the top licensing councillor.

_________________
IDFIMH

if you have got there number then ring and book 100s of cars.
and a few dozen airport pickups.

thanks for all the advice,some good tips there,i think informing the licensing oficer of whats going on,maybe push it a little is the course of action we will take,also distribute our flyers and cards is good.hopefully it will lead people to believe that we are still operating as normal and cotton on to this other companies tactics and stear clear of them.


many thanks for the advice.

You are still family run with a few regulars?

you should be aiming to get more drivers in and expanding your business.

if they are handing out cards, you do the same, if they will go to these lengths imagine if they put efforts in being a legal firm(not a law firm)
if they are claiming to be you they cant have a operating license surely??

ere mate get your act together and start fighting.