Taxi drivers may boycott one of Dundee’s busiest ranks as their battle with the city’s new taxi marshals
escalates.
More than 100 complaints have been made about the conduct of drivers in just four weeks by taxi marshals.
The Unite Union claims many members have been unfairly accused of offences and that many mistakes have been made.
Taxi branch secretary Chris Elder has also questioned the training and knowledge of the marshals working in Dundee.
His views echo some of the concerns raised by the Dundee Hackney Association, which believes the scheme should be abandoned immediately.
The city council has said that it will review the taxi scheme in late 2016, but believes it will bring great benefits to the city.
The steps already taken, together with the enforcement action, have been welcomed by Dundee Taxi Association.
Mr Elder told The Courier: “The part-time taxi rank at the G Casino has been turned into a shambles since the taxi marshals have been implemented.
“There have been more than 100 complaints regarding alleged misdemeanours by taxi drivers and private hire drivers.
“A number have been in touch with me after receiving letters from the city council stating that they had committed an offence when it is very clear that they have not.
“In one instance the driver’s car was not working at the time, while another driver only does day shifts.
“Mistakes have been made and clearly there have been incorrect plate numbers handed in to the council.
“In addition, marshals have been putting passengers in private hire vehicles when there are no taxis available.
“That has left drivers to ask whether the marshals have actually been trained to distinguish between a hackney cab and a private hire vehicle.
“A lot of my members are now going to boycott the G Casino rank regarding these issues as they do not want to be pulled in front of the licensing committee.”
Responding to the comments,licensing committee convener Stewart Hunter said: “Our priority and sole duty is public safety. “We believe the taxi marshal scheme will bring great benefits to people on a night out in the city, and the night-time economy, as well as drivers andoperators of taxis.
“In its first three weeks, marshals reported more than 100 alleged breaches. Each of these will be fully investigated.
“If a taxi driver is found to be in breach of regulations they will be interviewed by council staff and could be referred to the licensing committee.”