Police Scotland is warning the public of the dangers of getting into vehicles that appear to be taxis but are not licensed as such.
From time to time, members of the public report to the police cars and minibuses operating as taxis when not legally licensed. Often a report follows a taxi journey that didn’t live up to expectations or wasn’t appropriately priced.
Inspector David Blacklock said “The licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles ensures that the vehicle and driver are of an acceptable standard to safeguard the safety of customers. All vehicles are plated by the Council. This plate displays the Dumfries and Galloway Council logo, licence number, expiry date, vehicle registration number, and specifies the model of the car. Only drivers licensed by the Council may drive a taxi or private hire vehicle. All licensed drivers are issued with a licence and identity card. Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information about unlicensed taxis or private hire vehicles operating in the region, telephone us on 101.”
Councillor David McKie, a member of the Licensing Panel, said, “Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Licensing Section will investigate complaints against the holders of taxi and private hire vehicle licences relating to the condition of the vehicle unacceptable driving or conduct.”
All licensed taxis and private hire cars operating in Dumfries and Galloway must have one of the following licence plates displayed clearly on the back of the taxi or private hire car.
In addition, a taxi will have a roof sign. The licence plate determines the licence type and in the case of taxis, the colour determines the area in which the operator is permitted to trade as a taxi.
Never use a taxi or private hire car that does not have a licence plate.
A licensed taxi driver or private hire car driver must have an identification badge showing their photograph, licence number, name and expiry date of that licence, examples of such licences are shown below. The driver must wear, in a prominent position, their identification badge. Any passenger can ask the driver to produce this licence. All licensed drivers are subject to stringent security checks to determine that only those deemed fit and proper are given such a licence.
In addition, a Taxi will have a roof sign. The licence plate determines the licence type and in the case of taxis, the colour determines the area in which the operator is permitted to trade as a taxi.
Any user who experiences any inappropriate or improper conduct by a private hire or taxi driver should report the matter to the Licensing Authority without delay on 01387 245922.
Important points to remember:-
• Only taxis should be hired on a there and then basis
• Private Hire Cars must be pre-booked
• Any private hire driver who accepts a there and then hire is committing an offence
• Users should consider that if a private hire driver is prepared to commit an offence by accepting a there and then hire, he may be prepared to commit further offences that could have a serious impact on passenger safety.
• Your journey might not be covered by insurance if you hire a private hire car on a there and then basis.
• Information contained on taxi and private hire car licence plates and registration numbers are crucial pieces of information in any investigation that may be required to address complaints raised by members of the public against the driver of the vehicle.
• If you are in any doubt about the authenticity of the taxi or private hire car which arrives, you should contact the dispatch office to check.
• Agree the fare before setting off on your journey.
• Anyone approached by a private hire car driver with a view to arranging a there and then hire should report the matter to the Licensing Authority (01387 245 922) without delay.
