Taxi drivers unite (From Free Press Series)

Taxi drivers unite

MONMOUTH taxi drivers have thrown their support behind efforts to stamp out the problem of unlicensed taxis operating in Raglan.

Members of the Monmouth and District Safe Transport Operators and Managers Group say they share concerns about unlicensed vehicles working in the county.

However, the group believe there is a widespread problem of unlicensed mini bus, coach and bus operators in Monmouthshire, which are an equal danger to the public.

While licensed taxis can only carry four people at a time, buses can carry up to 16 passengers and the Monmouth group say it is important these vehicles are legal and safe.

Last week, the Free Press highlighted the concerns of Mr John Bowen, owner of Jay Bee Taxis, who spotted an unlicensed taxi trying to pick up fair in Raglan on March 20.

Melvyn White, who owns Whiteways Taxis of Monmouth, says local taxi drivers now plan to band together in a bid to stamp out the problem of illegal bus operators.

Mr White, who is chairman of the Monmouth taxi group, has written to the Welsh Assembly about the problem and suggested a number of ideas about how to keep passengers safe.

He said: "We are trying to stamp out firms using buses without an operators licence. There is a lot of this going on, especially in this area and we are all banding together to try and stop it.

"It is costing us hundreds of pounds a year to keep our vehicles on the road and we have people coming along with buses doing more work than the rest of us because they can afford to undercut prices.

"But the people who hire these vehicles do not realise that if they have an accident, they have no insurance cover."

Monmouthshire council already run a Cab Safe initiative, which operates for the public's protection and all licensed taxi drivers, must adhere to the scheme.

The public are advised to note the vehicle number, the time of the incident and to contact the police if they spot an unlicensed vehicle.