Published on:
13
July 2009
A councillor has criticised private hire companies for picking up passengers in the street.
Councillor John Biggam made the comment after the latest meeting of the regulatory sub-committee where he had heard from taxi companies that their business was being affected by the illegal practice.
There is a difference as to how taxis and private hire vehicles can be booked. A taxi can either be pre-booked, hailed in the street or at a rank. The vehicle will have an illuminated sign on the roof. A private hire vehicle can only pre-booked and can not be hailed from the street. These vehicles have a yellow plate on the rear and front of the vehicle.
Councillor Biggam, Convener of the Regulatory Sub-Committee, said: "Most people probably don't know the difference between taxi and private hire vehicle regulations. I was shocked to hear how bad the situation has got locally and would like to see local residents doing their bit to uphold the rules. Private hire vehicles have to be pre-booked."
More information about the licensing of taxi and private hire drivers is available on ClacksWeb.