Police chief raises concerns about up-front taxi fares

• By Jonathan Watson 
• Published in the Courier : 30.01.12

Plans by Dundee taxi drivers to charge passengers for their journey in advance ''may create additional confrontation,'' according to the police.

Members of the city's taxi industry have been considering the move in a bid to stop ''runners'' from leaving cars without paying.

However, a letter from Chief Superintendent Gavin Robertson to Dundee City Council's licensing committee has suggested that charging passengers up front may be counter-productive.

He also states the number of drivers reporting passengers who do not pay dropped from 62 in 2010 to 45 in 2011.

''This analysis tends to indicate a decrease in this type of crime and does not indicate any particular increase during the festive season,'' said Mr Robertson in his letter.

''I would suggest that advance payment may create additional confrontation between taxi drivers and customers — however, I have no research available to support this stance.''

The proposals, backed by some sections of the city's taxi driving community, have been put forward as drivers look to protect their income in the face of high fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.

Chris Elder, Unite union taxi branch secretary, has previously told The Courier that he believes most passengers would be understanding if asked to pay up front.

The proposal is set to be discussed at a meeting of Dundee City Council's licensing committee later this week.

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