Residents and visitors to Rhondda Cynon Taf are being urged not to jump into Bogus Taxis or Cowboy Cabs – and to make sure that they check their details before they ride.
This warning has been issued following a recent prosecution of a man from Mountain Ash. Mr Owen Jenkins of Mountain Ash was found to be operating as a taxi driver without a licence in Aberdare.
Mr Jenkins was found to be illegally plying for hire in and around Aberdare on Saturday 28th October 2023 and the early hours of the Sunday morning by a Council licensing officer. Mr Jenkins stopped his vehicle to accept a fare with two vulnerable females. A licensing enforcement officer was nearby and approached the vehicle to ask if he could also have a lift. Mr Jenkins agreed to take them to a drop off point for a fee.
During the journey the licensing officer identified himself to Mr Jenkins and departed the vehicle with one of the females due to safety concerns. Mr Jenkins then drove off. Mr Jenkins was then later observed by licensing officers driving through Taf Street, Pontypridd.
Mr Jenkins was found guilty of the offence of plying for hire illegally at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 3rd July 2024 and received fines and costs totalling £1461.
This comes after another, recent prosecution took place in May 2024, as another unlicensed, cowboy cabbie thought he could get away with illegally plying for hire in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The message is very clear; Bogus Taxis and Cowboy Cabbies are not welcome in RCT and they will be held accountable and prosecuted as these two cowboys have discovered.
A spokesperson for the licensing department in Rhondda Cynon Taf said:
“Public safety and confidence to use regulated and licensed taxis is of utmost importance. Licensed drivers and vehicles go through rigorous checks to ensure they meet standards in place to protect the needs and safety of the public. Unlicensed drivers who undermine that trust will be robustly dealt with to maintain public confidence and ensure public safety”
“Hackney Carriage taxis licensed within Rhondda Cynon Taf are black in colour and are provided with a council issued plate on the rear showing the maximum number of passengers and a door sign on each side of the front doors. Drivers who are licensed by the Council are also issued with a badge which they must show customers when asked.
I would encourage anyone with information on unlicensed taxi drivers or unlicensed vehicles operating in Rhondda Cynon Taf to contact the Council’s Licensing Team.”
If you are using a taxi in Rhondda Cynon Taf remember the following to keep you safe:
- RCT Taxis are black in colour,
- Will have a Council issued plate on the back of the vehicle,
- A door sign on each side of its front doors,
- A badge – which MUST be shown when a customer asks.
To report an unlicensed taxi driver, please contact the licensing team by email licensing.section@rctcbc.gov.uk or on 01443 425001.
Posted on 25/07/2024