Taxi drivers in Falkirk have pointed the finger at councillors for their loss of earnings due to an oversight, which led to taxi meters not being calibrated with the bank holiday fares.
So far, two bank holidays have gone by without the drivers being able to add on the 25% extra fare that comes with using a black cab during the holiday period.
Short-term Solution
The council offered a short-term solution to the drivers by means of issuing an official letter stating that they could add on the extra fare manually; this decision was not welcomed by the drivers.
“We have now worked two local holidays without any increase on tariff.”
Cabbie, John Kennedy, said: “This is affecting the livelihood of every taxi driver in the area and we have now worked two local holidays without any increase on tariff.
“The council’s answer is to give us a letter to show customers, saying we’re entitled to charge extra on holidays but it won’t show on the meter. Can you imagine the abuse we’ll receive from customers?”
Who’s Responsible?
At a committee meeting, councillors stated that although the licensing team had been providing positive assistance to the trade over the years, the license holders themselves were still accountable for their own meters.
A council spokesperson said: “We’re aware of these issues and are assisting the taxi trade to have their meters adjusted and resealed. The meters are owned by the license holder who is also responsible for the accuracy of the meter which includes taxi tariffs and public holiday dates.”