Fine for Birmingham cabbie who formed "unofficial rank" despite warning

A Birmingham taxi driver has been fined for forming an unofficial rank, according to the city's taxi police officer.

Although the fine is likely to only be a small one of £30, the decision to slap him with a ticket has sparked debate on social media.

Using Twitter to highlight the incident, Birmingham Taxi & Private Hire Police, wrote: "Another driver now facing a £30 fine which would have been avoided if he had took notice of my warning and used an official rank."

But the punishment has been challenged by one Twitter user who suggested that as a hackney carriage taxi driver, surely he is allowed to ply for hire where he wants within his licensing authority.

Replying to the comment, @Bhamtaxicop said: "He can ply for hire meaning he can be flagged down but he can't just form a rank where he likes."

Again the police were challenged, suggesting that one taxi parked may not constitute a rank.

@rubbishrubbers wrote: "Is one vehicle forming a rank? I'm not convinced I've read anything that defines that anywhere."

There were a few social media users who were on the side of the police, with one saying: "Seriously, only £30? Should be £300 then he would think twice before he will do it again."

Another wrote: "Idiots like this spoil it for the good 1's and give all of them a bad name."

Have you had any experience either as a taxi driver or other, with unofficial ranks? What's your opinion? Let us know via one of our social media platforms.

Image credit: Twitter - @Bhamtaxicop