Telford & Wrekin Council Takes Action on Taxi Driver Complaints

Telford & Wrekin Council has responded to public concerns regarding the behavior of taxi drivers, with new data revealing 74 complaints lodged against local drivers over the past two years. Of these, 51 complaints were directed at taxi drivers licensed by the council itself, while 23 involved drivers licensed by other authorities operating within the region. This information was released following a Freedom of Information request made to the council.

In response to these complaints, Telford & Wrekin Council outlined several measures taken to ensure that safety and service standards are maintained. Actions include revocation of licenses, requiring drivers to retake practical driving and taxi knowledge tests, and issuing both verbal and written warnings. Some cases were referred to other departments for further investigation, while others were passed to the relevant authority if the complaint concerned a driver licensed outside the area.

A spokesperson for Telford & Wrekin Council commented:

"Telford & Wrekin Council is dedicated to upholding safety standards for residents and businesses in all its responsibilities. It is a criminal offence for private hire drivers to ply for hire, meaning accepting fares that have not been pre-booked. Only hackney carriages can legally be flagged down on the street or at taxi ranks."

The council emphasized its commitment to rigorous safety checks, including vehicle inspections, criminal background reviews, medical assessments, and ensuring that drivers have the legal right to work. In addition, all licensed drivers are required to wear identification badges, with undercover operations helping to monitor compliance.

In an effort to enhance passenger safety, 43 taxis in the local fleet have been equipped with CCTV cameras, with plans for further installations. The council also collaborates with neighboring authorities, including Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire, and Shropshire, to maintain consistent standards across council boundaries.

A representative for the council further added:

"We take all complaints about drivers and vehicles licensed by this council very seriously. Every complaint is promptly investigated, and we will not hesitate to prosecute those who break the rules designed to keep people safe – our top priority – or undermine legitimate drivers who work hard to provide a safe service."