RISE IN BILKING: Hyndburn Council warns residents that taxi drivers will now ask for fares up-front

Hyndburn residents have been notified that local taxi organisations will be asking for upfront fare payment to help keep their essential services running.

The ask comes following several reports from taxi drivers of passengers running off without paying their taxi fare.

Taking off without paying is known as ‘bilking’ and is a criminal offence. More often than not the perpetrators are not apprehended, and therefore no payment is made to the driver.

Cllr Joyce Plummer, portfolio holder for Licensing at Hyndburn Borough Council, said:

“The request for upfront fares going forward is in response to an increasing number of people leaving the taxi after their journey without paying. It is very unfortunate this needs to happen. I am urging people to not be offended if this is requested of them and understand that this is a necessity to protect local businesses and keep the vital taxi services in our borough running.

“We fully support taxi drivers in putting measures in place to prevent these crimes taking place and protecting their income, especially during the current cost of living crisis which we are all navigating. I hope the people of Hyndburn will join me in supporting this change.”