Illegal taxis warned to steer clear of Headingley (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Illegal taxis warned to steer clear of Headingley

December 22, 2009 12:00 AM

Unlicensed taxi drivers are being warned to stay away from Headingley over the Christmas period as Leeds City Council carries out a crackdown on their illegal activities.

Private hire cabs plying for hire is a long-standing problem in Headingley. Local streets are regularly blocked up by drivers looking to pick up passing trade, in breach of the terms of their licence. The area outside popular local bar The Box is particularly notorious as an unofficial taxi rank and the road outside it is frequently made impassable by the number of vehicles on it.

The council regularly carries out enforcement activity in conjunction with the police to tackle the problem. Since mid November, 17 minicab drivers in Headingley and Leeds city centre have had their licences revoked for plying for hire.

This enforcement activity will continue during the Christmas season and Headingley will be a target for officers during this period.

Councillor Jamie Matthews (Lib Dem, Headingley) said:

"Private hire vehicles plying for trade is a real problem in Headingley. It causes misery for local residents who have to put up with their streets clogged up with minicab drivers touting for business when they have no right to do so.

"The road outside The Box is particularly bad and we've had serious issues with emergency services vehicles unable to get down the A660 because it's been completely blocked.

"It's an issue all year round, but Christmas and New Year is a particularly bad time. I am therefore very pleased that our enforcement teams will be targeting Headingley during the festive season.

"I'd urge anyone looking to get a cab over this time to either pre-book one or only hail one of the fully licensed black and white hackney carriages. You'll be reducing the demand for illegal cabs in the first place and won't be putting your personal safety on the line either."