Police Scotland is issuing a warning to the public about the dangers of getting into vehicles seeming to be taxis when they are not actually properly licensed as such. From time to time reports are received from the public relating to cars and minibuses which operate as a taxi when not legally licensed to do so. Often these reports come to the ears of the police after a taxi journey which did not live up to expectations, or perhaps was not appropriately priced. Inspector David Blacklock says “The licensing of Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles is there to ensure that both the vehicle and driver are each 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 and can be contacted through telephoning 101.”
Lorna Meahan, Assistant Chief Executive says “Dumfries and Galloway Council will investigate genuine complaints against the holders of Taxi and Private Hire vehicles licences relating to the condition of the vehicle and against drivers for unacceptable driving or conduct.”
All licensed taxis and private hire cars throughout Dumfries and Galloway should 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.
Important points for users to remember:-
• Only Taxis (as opposed to Private Hire Cars) 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 your safety.
• It may be the case that your journey may 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.
• Anyone pre-booking a Private Hire Car should contact the booking office to confirm that the vehicle that arrives at the pick-up point is the vehicle that has been sent to cover the booking. In the event the vehicle is not the vehicle that was dispatched by the radio base, the vehicle should not be entered.
• 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 245922) without delay.
In the lead up to the busy Christmas period, a joint initiative has been introduced by Dumfries and Galloway Licensing Boards, Police Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership.
The services of 2 SIA registered stewards are to be provided at the main taxi rank on Loreburn Street, Dumfries from 12 midnight to 4am each Saturday and Sunday morning until 21 December 2014, then again on 2 and 3 January 2015.
Sergeant Jim McLatchie from the Community Policing Unit of Dumfries and Galloway Division of Police Scotland states “repeatedly over the festive period we get reports of anti social behaviour, disorder and persons acting inappropriately at the taxi rank in Loreburn Street, Dumfries. We are delighted to work with our partners and engaged taxi marshals to ensure members of the public are kept safe whilst waiting to get home after enjoying a night out in Dumfries. Although not directly employed by the police, they will be in radio contact and monitored through CCTV and we will work collectively ensuring every one is kept safe this festive season.
“These stewards will seek to assist in maintaining order and minimising potential anti-social behaviour. The stewards, who will be easily identifiable by their high-visibility vests, will have direct contact with the police through radio link.
“Operators and drivers are asked to engage fully with the stewards in order to assist in making Dumfries Town Centre, customers and taxi drivers alike, safer over the festive season.
This is a trial initiative and if successful may be used in Dumfries and other local towns in the future.
