Spike in cases of passengers not paying their cab fare

LICENSING officers at North East Lincolnshire Council have issued a warning to those using taxis after a spike in reported incidents of passengers not paying their fare.

The reports, which have come from drivers across North East Lincolnshire, have prompted the Council’s licensing team to advise more drivers to ask for their fee upfront.

Drivers are entitled to request the fee upfront but many choose not to, instead charging their passengers once they arrive at their destination.

It is a criminal offence to leave a vehicle and make off without paying the necessary fare.

Taxi drivers opting to charge customers upfront are still required to display a meter and any outstanding balance should be paid to the driver or back to the passenger as appropriate.

For more information on taxi licensing in North East Lincolnshire, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/licensing.