Taxi drivers threaten city centre boycott after accusing police of 'losing the plot'
Revellers in Dundee could be left out in the cold this weekend if taxi drivers carry through on a threat to boycott the city centre.
- By Jonathan Watson
- Published in the Courier : 18.04.11
- Published online : 18.04.11 @ 11.22am
Representatives of the Dundee Taxi Association contacted The Courier to claim that police "lost the plot" in the early hours of Sunday morning, as they clamped down on drivers queuing in non-designated areas.
Tayside Police had sent officers to the Marketgait area after reports that taxi drivers were parking on roundabouts and other thoroughfares while waiting to collect clubbers at the end of the night.
With the cabbies claiming that ultimatums were given to either move on or face fines, a meeting to be held on Tuesday could see drivers boycott the city centre this weekend as they weigh up their options.
Asked if a boycott was a realistic prospect, Graeme Stephen, chairman of the Dundee Taxi Association (DTA), said, "That's a very great possibility. There are a few options and I can't determine what will happen just yet.
"A few drivers were talking of strike action or taking two hours off when the clubs come out. There's a possibility of a boycott of the city centre as well, which I think happened 20 years ago.
"Flyers are going out to all the taxi offices and we'll just have to wait and see what happens at the meeting on Tuesday."
The area is a popular choice for late-night taxi drivers, with many waiting to pick up party-goers from nearby nightclubs Fat Sams and Liquid, as well as the G Casino.
Tony Waters, secretary of the DTA, was one of those drivers in the Marketgait area in the early hours of Sunday morning.
'Cat and mouse'
He said, "It was a bit of a cat and mouse game, as all the police were doing was moving people on. I've never seen anything like it — the police had lost the plot.
"I saw about 40 cars waiting at one point. They seem to be having some sort of clampdown and it's coming to a head with the drivers."
Tayside Police confirmed officers had been sent to West Marketgait but pledged to work with drivers to address the problems.
Chief Inspector Alexander Brodie said, "I understand that some taxi drivers are not happy with the increased attention given by officers to the unofficial rank that has appeared on the West Marketgait.
"This unofficial rank regularly continues from West Marketgait around the roundabout at Hawkhill and, aside from being illegal, increases the potential danger to other road users.
"The safety of the public, whether in vehicles or on foot, is paramount and officers will continue to take appropriate action where necessary.
"Dialogue already exists between Tayside Police, the local authority and taxi drivers in Dundee and I would encourage any taxi drivers who feel it necessary to raise this matter through the recognised channels."
12.23pm - 18.04.2011 Tannadice - Dundee, UK Report This
That's rich taxi drivers complaining. Two faced I call it. Have you seen their reaction if you stop your car at a taxi rank they go nuts. These are the same drivers who park in the bus bays across from the city churches and ignore the bus drivers trying to pick up passengers.
12.34pm - 18.04.2011 Jim Wallace - Dundee, Angus Report This
Thank God the police have seen the light at last,they should also clamp down in the High Steet most nights at 7-8pm outside the Mecca Bingo is a joke with Taxis parked ,both sides of the road ,illlegal turning on the road,with no regard for other road users,and double parking.Its long over due,a clamp down is most welcome
01.21pm - 18.04.2011 George T Foxton - Dundee, UK Report This
One minute they are all pleading poverty, next they are going to boycott the busiest period of the week. The pantomime continues, and to think it was triggered this time by the police asking them to obey the law.
02.23pm - 18.04.2011 Peter - dundee, scotland Report This
so cabbies are threatening a boycott as they were asked to move on because of being illegally parked. Looks like they have lost the plot not the police.
05.40pm - 18.04.2011 shona - dundee, scotland Report This
well so they should be moved on what gives taxis the right to stop ware they want and park ware the want and its about time something was done there r spaces for taxies all over the center without causing a hazzord common to me the police wer well within there right
06.43pm - 18.04.2011 jim taylor - edinburgh, uk Report This
about time the cops were moving them on. its in ur terms and conditions lads about illegal parking when u get ur badge fae the council. as fir that tony and his cronies at dta .well dae yi think other taxi drivers will strike (NOPE). just accept the ticket and stop calling strikes eh tony. :)
09.07pm - 18.04.2011 Roger Bonne-Holland - Perth Road, Dundee Report This
As if there is a lot of traffic on the roads at that time, so I doubt that the taxi's waiting is causing a major danger. It sounds like some police jobsworths at work. Well I reckon the taxi drivers should boycott the centre and let the police tackle all the wee steamin gadgies who will run a mock.
12.36am - 19.04.2011 Rodger Delgardo - Letham by Forfar, Angus Report This
Great news at a boycott,that means only the new taxis,will turn up at the weekend,not the low numbered yellow plate cabs which verge on being bangers,no wonder the police are clamping down on cabs like these. if there are any cabs to get off the road its those ones. Good on the Police
08.17am - 19.04.2011 Ballumbie Ryan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Totally support the police on this. Taxi drivers seem to think they are immune to the law, carrying out u-turns in busy roads, stopping wherever they like to avoid having to actually park. Well done to the police.
09.31am - 19.04.2011 Gus's Angle - Dundee, UK Report This
I cannot believe the anti-taxi responses here. Some people expect taxis to pick them up when they are drunk on a saturday night and then misbehave whilst the driver is concentrating on his job. Lay off the Taxi Drivers they are only trying to earn an honest living in hard times.
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