Police chief raises concerns about up-front taxi fares
Plans by Dundee taxi drivers to charge passengers for their journey in advance ''may create additional confrontation,'' according to the police.
- By Jonathan Watson
- Published in the Courier : 30.01.12
- Published online : 30.01.12 @ 08.27am
Members of the city's taxi industry have been considering the move in a bid to stop ''runners'' from leaving cars without paying.
However, a letter from Chief Superintendent Gavin Robertson to Dundee City Council's licensing committee has suggested that charging passengers up front may be counter-productive.
He also states the number of drivers reporting passengers who do not pay dropped from 62 in 2010 to 45 in 2011.
''This analysis tends to indicate a decrease in this type of crime and does not indicate any particular increase during the festive season,'' said Mr Robertson in his letter.
''I would suggest that advance payment may create additional confrontation between taxi drivers and customers — however, I have no research available to support this stance.''
The proposals, backed by some sections of the city's taxi driving community, have been put forward as drivers look to protect their income in the face of high fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
Chris Elder, Unite union taxi branch secretary, has previously told The Courier that he believes most passengers would be understanding if asked to pay up front.
The proposal is set to be discussed at a meeting of Dundee City Council's licensing committee later this week.
09.32am - 30.01.2012 Muscleguy - Broughty Ferry, Scotland Report This
So how will the dispute procedure when the amount you are charged conflicts with the meter when you arrive work? I bet you won't get back any overpayment but the drivers will demand extra if their estimate is under. Or are they going to introduce zones like the bus? Be arguments from boundary people
10.01am - 30.01.2012 James Smith - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Give me strength. The number of drivers reporting passengers who do not pay is so low because the process takes up so much of the taxi driver's time that he doesn't bother to report it. If he does, he's hit twice; once by the runner and again by the police taking his details.
10.38am - 30.01.2012 Peter Smith - Dundee., UK. Report This
I suppose the event might occur whereby a crowd of three/four people on a night out! approach a taxi rank and ask 2/3 drivers the price for fare home? Obviously they are going to opt for the cheapest fare?
10.44am - 30.01.2012 mark - dundee, scotland Report This
james taxi drivers cant have it both ways - if they want help they need to report it - they are no different to other citizens who are affected by crime. the taxi ranks are always full anyway so instead of sitting doing nothing you could be at the pocie station doing whats right instead...
01.07pm - 30.01.2012 Troll Jester - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Nobody is suggesting that paying up front is based on an estimate from the driver at the time of entry. The fare would still be as per the meter. So any difference between what was paid up front is either given as change by the driver or paid for by the passenger/s.
01.36pm - 30.01.2012 Al - Dundee, UK Report This
Seems like such a small problem that such a measure would cause more hassle than is necessary. I think the Chief Superintendent's instincts are probably right - whilst there may not be specific studies to quote to verify this would be not a good idea... very likely - this is not a good idea!
03.31pm - 30.01.2012 DTA SECRETARY - Dundee, SCOTLAND Report This
The number charged with an offence and made to pay up of the 107 is minimal. This might explain why drivers do not report it .But now that the Chief Superintendent has become involved the numbers charged will increase .The message to drivers is report all none payers.
04.09pm - 30.01.2012 MarkT - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Could the drivers have webcams installed? Surely that would deter runners. Non paying passengers could be identified and police would have more to go on.
08.47pm - 30.01.2012 Mr Wilson - cupar, United Kingdom Report This
It must be the only transport you dont have to pay upfront, why not the same for Taxis. I jumped a taxi 30 years ago but older and wiser now and realise it's their wages I stole.
01.46am - 31.01.2012 paul - dundee, scotland Report This
what about the people that dont have the up front cash and need to stop at a cashpoint do they just get left to walk.
Add a comment