HATS off to North Somerset Council for taking steps towards making taxis in and around Weston safer and more pleasant to use.
I had a terrible experience before Christmas where the rear seats had vomit on them, one headlight wasn't working and the car felt like it was going to fall apart. The car arrived 30 minutes late. The driver was from Manchester who didn't know where to find Banwell.
I was so disgusted I vowed never to use a taxi in Weston again. I complained to the company who ignored me.
As in most walks of life a few spoil it for the majority, but those are the ones we remember. Taxi drivers are arrogant, their standard of driving is shocking and the business seems to be riddled with people who are only taxi driving because they can't get a job anywhere else.
If someone is insisting they clean up their act, they should welcome it. The drivers who reinvest in themselves and their vehicles will benefit and those doing the job for lack of alternative employment will be spat out of the system.
Taxi driving is a serious business and should be treated as such.
They have not policed it themselves and it is right that the authorities should step in and enforce changes. It is long overdue.
As a minimum: a six monthly stringent test on all vehicles; random checks for cleanliness and punctuality; driver yearly medical examination; knowledge tests; clearly displayed price lists in all cars; and driving standards examination.
Then, maybe I and the hundreds like me would start using Weston taxis again.
T BAKER - Cedern Avenue, Elborough |