Reports of licensed taxi overcharging passengers

The Council’s Licensing Department have become aware of concerns raised on social media in relation to licensed taxis overcharging passengers.

Councillor Michelle Symonds, portfolio member for Regeneration, Housing and Public Protection, said: “The majority of our taxi drivers deliver a high-quality service, but we need the public’s help to stop the minority who breach the taxi licence conditions. 

“We often receive reports of taxi drivers breaching conditions, but not always with sufficient information to gather satisfactory evidence for formal action. I’d encourage all passengers to make a note of the licence number or vehicle registration before entering the vehicle and to contact the Licensing Department should they have any concerns following the journey.”

Licensed taxis (Hackney Carriages) in Merthyr Tydfil are black in colour and will display white door stickers and a top light.  Only these vehicles can be flagged down or found at taxi ranks and they can also be pre-booked in advance. These vehicles will be fitted with a taxi meter which has been calibrated to the approved fares.  A copy of the fare tariffs will also be displayed inside the vehicle.  The taxi meter must be switched on at the start of each journey and the driver cannot charge more than the fare shown on the meter at the end of the journey.

To report any instances of the meter not being used and/or overcharging please contact the Licensing Department with details of the vehicle/driver:
licensing@merthyr.gov.uk  
01685 725000