Council cracks down on rogue cab drivers

ROGUE cab drivers have been warned not to operate in Hull after a series of prosecutions since a council crackdown began last year.

Hull Council started its Be Safe campaign in April 2009 after complaints from residents and has since taken action against 10 taxi and private hire drivers.

The 10 were caught working without licences, working while suspended or carrying passengers who had not pre-booked.

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The resulting sentences have ranged from formal warnings and cautions to prosecutions with fines and costs of as much as 960.

Some drivers received penalty points on their driving licences, – which, for two, resulted in driving bans.

One formal caution was achieved by sharing information with East Riding Council's licensing section.

Several other cases are still going through the courts.

Councillor Elaine Garland, chairman of the council's licensing committee, said: "Public safety is of paramount importance.

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"Taxi drivers who operate outside the law will face tough action.

"As a licensing committee, along with the taxi and private hire trades, we have invested significant time and energy to provide safe and accountable taxi and private hire services.

"The vast majority of taxi operators in the city work legally and provide a valuable service.

"However, we will not tolerate the actions of a few drivers who are prepared to put their own financial gain above the safety of their passengers, and who effectively steal work form other drivers."

Passengers should only hail licensed hackney carriages while private hire vehicles run by licensed operators should be bookedin advance, said Coun Garland.

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