Taxi driver guilty of plying for hire

A private hire taxi driver who picked up passengers from Shrewsbury railway station without a booking has pleaded guilty in Shrewsbury Magistrates’ Court to a charge of plying for hire.

Leslie Lockett was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay Shropshire Council costs of £150.

Lockett had been approached by two females at the railway station and agreed to take them to their destination, although he was aware that no booking had been made with his company.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for licensing, said:

“It is illegal for a private hire car to pick up a customer unless the fare has been pre-booked. This act could render the insurance invalid, thereby placing customers in danger. The council will not tolerate this or any other illegal activity by licensed drivers and will take action against any driver found to be breaking the law.”

Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and the customer should be quoted the exact fare when the booking is made. The driver cannot charge more than the previously agreed fare.

Hackney carriage taxis do not have to be pre-booked, can be hailed on the street, and must carry a “Taxi” sign on the roof. They must be fitted with a meter which the driver must start when the customer begins their journey. The maximum price for the journey will show on the meter at the end of the journey and the driver cannot charge any more.

Anyone with a complaint of a driver over-charging should contact Shropshire Council’s licensing team on 0345 678 9000.