Taxi drivers to ask for upfront payment
Hyndburn residents are being notified that local taxi organisations will be asking for upfront fare payment to help keep their essential services running.
Cllr Joyce Plummer, portfolio holder for Licensing at Hyndburn Borough Council, said:
“The request for upfront fares going forward is in response to an increasing number of people leaving the taxi after their journey without paying. It is very unfortunate this needs to happen. I am urging people to not be offended if this is requested of them and understand that this is a necessity to protect local businesses and keep the vital taxi services in our borough running.”
Taking off without paying known as ‘bilking’ is a criminal offence, however more often than not the perpetrators are not apprehended, and therefore no payment is made to the driver.
“We fully support taxi drivers in putting measures in place to prevent these crimes taking place and protecting their income, especially during the current cost of living crisis which we are all navigating. I hope the people of Hyndburn will join me in supporting this change.”