Rogue mini-cab operators warned of fines in Birmingham crackdown
CABBIES and private hire drivers who operate illegally in Birmingham have been warned they risk prosecution.
New signs have been installed across the city centre telling drivers not to break the law by touting for on-street business – a specific offence known as ’plying.’
The 100 reflective signs have been put near prominent entertainment spots including Broad Street, Hurst Street and Ladywell Walk warning that CCTV is in operation. Offenders face penalty points, hefty court fines and being struck off Birmingham City Council’s licensing books.
West Midlands Police works in partnership with the authority’s licensing team to tackle illegal plying for hire.
People who accept lifts from private hire drivers, when they have not pre-booked, are not insured in the event of being injured in an accident; only Hackney Carriage (black cab) vehicles can take fares without being booked in advance.
However, it is also an offence for cabbies to tout for customers outside of the council area for which they are licensed – again making passenger insurance void.
Almost 50 rogue drivers were found illegally picking up people in the city during the last 18 months as part of a crackdown.
Camera operators monitor vehicles parked near to licensed premises and check if they have been legitimately booked, while specially trained officers also pose as passengers to catch those breaking the rules.
Enforcement officer PC Dave Humpherson, from West Midlands Police, said: “These signs leave no excuses for rogue drivers; if they illegally ply for hire they will be caught.
“We have seen drivers given six to nine points on their licence along with some drivers being disqualified from driving. One driver was left with a court bill of £1,800.”
Cllr Barbara Dring, chair of Birmingham City Council’s Licensing and Public Protection Committee said: “We are fully behind this initiative which will help to reduce the number of private hire drivers that ply for hire illegally.
“Private hire drivers need to remember that most of the city centre is covered by CCTV cameras. Evidence from these cameras can be used in court to convict them and we have successfully prosecuted drivers using CCTV footage.
“We would also like to remind passengers that they are not insured unless they have booked the journey in advance. Only black cabs can pick up at the roadside without a booking.”
