Council urges taxi users to hop in local cabs instead of out of town cars who they can't regulat
Newark and Sherwood taxi users are being urged to use local cabbies instead of out-of-town drivers who the council have no jurisdiction over to carry out routine inspections on. Council taxi inspectors have raised concerns over the amount of drivers licensed by other authorities that are coming into town picking up fares, with some over-charging.
They have also highlighted the condition of some of the vehicles used.
Officers are unable to enforce local regulations on cross border drivers and their vehicles, which means they cannot even verify the driver's credentials.
The council is responsible for taxi licensing in the district, but does not have authority over cabbies and their vehicles who are not licensed by the district council. As first reported by the Newark Advertiser, Alan Batty, the council’s public protection business manager, said: “Although taxi operators from outside the district are not doing anything illegal by working in Newark and Sherwood, they are beyond our control and passengers will find that they will be charged considerably more for a journey than if they use a taxi firm that is licensed in Newark and Sherwood."
He went on to highlight they don't know firms that hold licenses from other areas, therefore can't ensure that they undertake the necessary driver and vehicle checks. “Our advice is that when booking, make sure you use a Newark and Sherwood District Council licensed taxi”, Batty added. He went on to say: "People need to be aware that not all licensed drivers/vehicles go through the same safeguarding and safety checks that the district council carry out. “Please also check out the fare before you agree to proceed with your intended journey.”
Image: Author; Bob Harvey
