General Discussion

While going to Sainsbury's last week following a Taxi i noticed he was on his mobile all the way from Elm Grove Road to the Sainsburys roundabout in the vehicle Schhol children. Then on Friday evening 2 seperate Taxi's crossing Jubilee Bridge the wrong way and turning right into Brunswick Place, i have also seen on a number of different occasions Taxi's picking up passengers from Gerald's in Brunswick Place parking on the zig zags and then reversing out onto the A379. Not only are these drivers putting their passengers in danger, other road users and themselves but are showing a total disregard for the Law in my mind these drivers are not fit to be on the road never mind driving a Taxi.

Well come on, they have got a reputation to keep up.

So, when these taxi drivers are spotted doing things they shouldn't be doing, do those who spot them doing it take a note of the taxi firm and registration number of the taxis and report these wrong doings to the taxi firms/the taxi licensing authorities?  

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/article/9098/Taxi-Licensing-Customer-Complaints-Procedure

I can tell you that yes, people are reporting  misdemeanours by taxi drivers continually. Part of my job was to defend taxi drivers in their dealings with local authorities and the police. Driving offences put to one side, most people have no idea of the hackney carriage and Phv laws.

Seat belt rules and charging spring to mind, where members of the public have reported  drivers for offences where none  have been committed. 

Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.  John 8:7. 

I use our local taxi service on a very regular basis and have nothing but praise for them. They are out there 24hrs a day ready to pick us up and drop us off when we need them. I have never witnessed any illegal manoeuvrings, and, OK, that is not to say they did not happen but let us give credit where credit is due.

The other week, I saw a taxi come out of Little Week Rd heading towards Exeter and it was all over the road with the driver looking on the floor, reaching down and doing all the things he/she shouldnt be doing.

As for the 'Let he without sin' comment, Taxi drivers are supposed to be Professional drivers and you are paying for a service and so they should drive in a professional manner and not put their passengers lives in danger. If you was a passenger in a cab and involved in an accident, then what?

Some people!

So were these misdemeanours occurring while they had passengers on board then? 

In the event that  you are unfortunate  to be injured in an accident in a taxi, then rest assured you will be covered by insurance. Local authorities are vigorous  in checking for the relevant insurance. 

If you are unhappy with any aspect of your journey or the conduct or driving by the driver, then complain. The majority of taxi drivers take pride in their skills and experience  and are keen that the public and local authorities weed out the chaff.

Hi Carer. Long time no hear. The point here is that all drivers should drive with care and attention, whether they are professionals or not. 

@Dorian

Does it matter if they had passengers or not?

They are supposed to be professional so should drive professional regardless.

I agree Carer.  If I owned the cab company I wouldn't want them damaging my business reputation, passengers or no.  My view is that you should uphold standards in whatever capacity you act.  Maybe Elvis can tell us whether carrying passengers does make a difference.  

As Lynne pointed out though, if it's enough to warrant a post here I think it should be enough to warrant at least a call to the cab company. It's surely for the safety of all. 

Ones driving should be of a consistently  high standard,  with or without passengers. Some of the problem is caused by taxi companies  themselves.  They take on too much  work  and expect  the drivers to chase their tails. 

There is  very  little mileage in reporting a driver to a company as they are motivated by profit and all you  will  get  is lip service.

Far better if you have a genuine complaint is to note the taxi or Phv number and speak to the enforcement  officer at the relevant  council.

0903 a brown people carrier plated Taxi at high speed ran red lights turning right towards the station from Jubille Bridge a car had to brake as he forced his way through he was actualy going to fast to get his registration or plate number.

Try this:

http://teignbridge.gov.uk/article/9098/Taxi-Licensing-Customer-Complaints-Procedure

It's not just taxi drivers but car drivers in general. The speeds at which people driver round Dawlish is an accident waiting to happen.

Slightly off the topic of taxi drivers but on topic with regard to speeding.............

Probably because I have learnt to drive (don't do it that often but I have driven) I can think 'driver' when I am walking.

Thus, whenever I cross a pedestrian crossing/pelican crossing or whatever I really do make sure that no vehicles are coming hell for leather in my direction.

A particular case in point, and I am aware of it because I use it quite a lot, is the zebra crossing by Henty Avenue that goes over Exeter Road. I really have lost track of the times that I have been in the process of going over that crossing (and it doesn't seem to matter which side I am crossing from to get to) when a vehicle crosses it in front of me.

Please everyone take care when crossing roads even when, according to the Highway Code, you have the right of way.