Newcastle cabbies slam rogue drivers

Cabbies slam rogue drivers

Dec 31 2007 by Tom Mullen, Evening Chronicle

CABBIES have called for tougher measures to be enforced against rogue taxi drivers.

As reported in Saturday’s Chronicle, police and council officers blitzed Newcastle city centre to track down drivers putting lives at risk with their unroadworthy cars.

A two-night operation found taxis with faulty brakes, balding tyres and one driver working with no licence or insurance documents. Nine drivers were immediately suspended.

Now, honest taxi drivers are calling for action to be stepped up against the cowboys.

Michael Smith, 69, a taxi driver of 37 years and the secretary of Newcastle Owner Drivers’ Association, said: “This clampdown is good news, but there should be more of them.

“It’s the guys trying to make a quick buck who are putting lives in danger.

“At the end of the day, when people are out in town on a night out, the last thing they’re thinking of is does this cab have a proper licence or has it been properly checked? Only registered black cabs are allowed to pick people up off the street.

“Some real cowboys hang around the busy spots like The Gate in Newcastle and outside restaurants.”

The Chronicle told how the police sting included spot checks and roadside examination stations.

On the first night 65 vehicles were checked. This led to 12 being sent to a council test station due to defects ranging from tinted windows to accident damage. Three drivers were suspended

On the second night 70 taxis were checked and 14 were sent to be tested. Six drivers were suspended.

Michael Smith, from West Denton, added: “Christmas and New Year is the prime time for these wide guys. It’s a minority of drivers who are giving everyone a bad name.”

William Buchan, 49, from Walbottle, owns Ace Taxis in Newcastle.

He said: “I’m all for the crackdown. These people should be in court or in jail if that’s what it takes.

“You’re talking about a matter of public safety. Constant checks could be disruptive, but if we’re talking about the sake of a five or 10 minute check to save someone’s life then so be it.”

Ace radio clerk Duane Davidson, 26, added: “I’ve even heard stories about dodgy drivers letting their friends drive their cabs for them.”

Coun Anita Lower, executive member for regulation at Newcastle City Council, said: “We will not let standards slip. The safety of the public is our top priority and we will do everything we can to make sure taxi passengers stay safe.”

Any body with common sense has to agree with this anywhere in the country and not only in Newcastle. We have a better fleet now compared to a few years ago and it's not come about from drivers wanting it but being forced by authorities to change practices. Anybody harming the trade should be put off the road.

Quite rightly said, but we should make the authorties aware when supply outstrips demand, and stand together to show them that there are no weaknesses within our unity.

Time to stand together then for Monday and Tuesday and show that you can work in the daytime.