As part of the team’s ongoing focus on cracking down on tout offenders picking up passengers outside the terminals, those arrested for offences will now find their vehicle windows displayed with a large poster-sized sticker displaying ‘Driver arrested on suspicion of taxi touting’.
Aside from charging extremely high priced journeys, among the most common law-breaking behaviour from drivers of illegal minicabs are not being covered by correct insurance and that vehicles are not maintained to the same standards as legal taxis.DS Steve Nunn, head of Heathrow’s Tout Squad said: “We are using these stickers as a public means of showing touts that they will not be tolerated at Heathrow.
“In addition, we want to reassure the public and lawful drivers that the problem of touting is being taken very seriously.”
Heathrow’s chief inspector Adrian Baxter said: “It is important that people understand the serious implications of unlicensed minicabs.
“Quite simply, if you get into an unlicensed cab, you are getting into a stranger’s car.”
If you have any information about illegal minicabs, or any other crime, contact Heathrow police station on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
source: http://www.skyport-heathrow.co.uk/2012/02/officers-shame-taxi-touts.html
What a complete joke gresham street and watling street are flooded with ride 2 touts. Where are you mr mason?
ReplyDeletewww.rd2.com/benefits.html - are ride 2 allowed to put they are 50% cheaper than black cabs?
DeleteA sticker a day keeps the touts away.
ReplyDeleteIt's not Mr Mason we need my friend.
ReplyDeleteHe will tell you himself that as far as touts are concerned, he and his office are useless. Mason and Chapman's role is to check drivers badges and bills, and make sure us and private hire are working to the conditions of our licence.
Do you know how much Londoners pay these two in salaries ?
Blinding work if you can get it !
It would be far cheaper to give their jobs to 6th form students on work study.
Compliance ? Oh please, come on !
8829 Semtex
London hasn't currently got a unit or department that are able to deal with touts, and that's why they are out there.
Totally agree with you Semtex, i was in Watling Street last night. Clip board guy was standing right outside Reflex bar and taking bookings. You would expect enforcement to be there but they were nowhere to be seen. Apparently JM & HC are aware that this guy has been doing this for months yet no revocation of license!
Delete