Taxi boss and passengers speak out about new legislation for Wolverampton cabs
The boss of a Wolverhampton taxi firm has slammed new rules preventing private hire companies from putting their names and branding on the side of cabs.
Jim Sharma, who runs Wednesfield Cars, claims the public will be confused put at risk as they could get into the wrong vehicle and his stance is being supported by Wolves, for whom the company has been transporting players and staff for over 30 years
The City of Wolverhampton implemented the new government guidelines from yesterday (Thursday), the first licensing authority in the country to take action. They are designed to combat fake taxis and improve passenger safety.
They claim a three-month consultation with the trade to gauge views found 93 per-cent in favour of the signage changes out of more than 2,250 respondents. Those responding felt the changes would make journeys safer for passengers, prevent damage some felt the stickers could cause and reduce the risk of vandalism, they say.
But Mr Sharma said with the distinctive branding going, including Wolves logos in the back window, people would become confused about whether the vehicle they had booked was a taxi and it ran the risk of them not being easily able to access their vehicle.
He said: "I am more concerned for the public than the taxi firms and the potential problems it will cause. With Wolves we have had to take their logo out of the back window – we have worked with the club since 1991 and there has always been something reassuring about the badge for the families of youngsters who we transport all over the country
"I know Wolves have spoken to the council about this as it is something they feel strongly about.
"The consultation was carried out with members of the taxi trade not the public who will now be expected to identify their vehicle from a registration rather than it being clear from branding it is the company they have booked with – it will be confusing and potentially dangerous for them."
Patricia Bellingham, aged 73, who uses Wednesfield Cars up to three times a week said she was against the new legislation which had already caused confusion.
She said: "On the first day this came up my taxi turned up but I didn't know whether it was mine or a normal car – there was a blank space where the logo used to be and it was only when the driver spoke to me that I knew who it was.
"I can also see problems on a weekend where people could be fighting over the taxis or worse still young women get into the wrong vehicle and anything could happen.
A spokesman for Wolverhampton City Council said: "Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and the authority provides a sign for licensed drivers to attach to each passenger window.
"Customers can check the driver and vehicle sent to collect them by direct contact with the operator via phone, text message or app.
"The government believes high levels of signage can draw attention to private hire vehicles and leads the public to mistake them for taxis.
"People then approach them for immediate hire, which is unlicensed, uninsured and illegal for the driver. This legislation will help prevent that."