Taxi Driver Online

Nottingham Evening Post

February 14, 2006 Tuesday

Rip-offs taken seriously

Your correspondent Clare Madon (Letters, February 2) believes that taxi rip-offs are on the increase. I would like to reassure her that Nottingham City Council takes allegations of over-charging or failure to use a taxi meter very seriously indeed.

The rules are clear: drivers of licensed hackney carriages (Nottingham's green taxis) must use the meter for all journeys that start and finish within the city boundaries. (The fare for journeys finishing outside the city is negotiable.) Licensed private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and their fares are set by their operating firm, so you should always ask for a quote or find out how the fare is calculated at the time of booking.

All licensed vehicles display a unique number on the licence plates on the front and the rear and drivers wear numbered badges. Thes enable the council to trace a vehicle in the event of any complaint. Make sure to note these all-important details and then contact the council's taxi licensing section.

We will always act to protect the public from the very small minority of drivers who overcharge their passengers. Once we have identified culprits we have no hesitation in prosecuting them and/or revoking their licences. Anyone who needs more information can contact the taxi licensing team on 0115 915 6571 (or visit www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/taxi).

STEPHEN DOWLING Services Director Nottingham City Council

And ask the driver for a signed reciept, including badge number and vehicle plate number.

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Former taxi driver