Crackdown on rogue taxi drivers in Leyland (From Chorley Citizen)
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Crackdown on rogue taxi drivers in Leyland
2:12pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News
By Chris Gee, Reporter
A CRACKDOWN on rogue taxis operating in Leyland without a licence has been launched.
It follows concern that unlicensed taxis from outside the borough are coming into South Ribble touting for trade.
An undercover operation by South Ribble Borough Council and the police, was launched earlier this month to combat rogue taxis.
The late-night operation covered five separate locations in South Ribble and resulted in one Preston taxi driver being caught trading illegally.
The driver’s details were passed on to Preston City Council, with a view to a prosecution.
The operation was organised to serve as a warning that unlicensed taxis will not be tolerated in South Ribble.
Taxis trading without a licence are breaking the law and can face court fines of up to £3,500 per offence.
By law, all taxis and private hire vehicles that carry up to eight passengers must be licensed by the council, and drivers must also be licensed.
This process involves a criminal record check and knowledge test, and only licensed taxis can ‘ply for hire’ at ranks or be hailed in the street. Private hire vehicles need to be booked in advance.
Councillor John Rainsbury, chair of South Ribble Borough Council’s licensing committee, said: “I would urge people to steer clear of these rogue taxis, which are operating illegally and offer little or no protection to those who use them.”
