Letter: Concern over private hire cars

Letter: I am becoming very concerned about the control and standard of taxis and private hire vehicles in Shrewsbury.

As a regular user of cabs and private hire cars I have become concerned about the age of some of the cars, concerned as an engineer over some of the rattles and bangs.

I'm concerned that on two occasions recently after ordering a car for three a small Ford arrived for the first booking, a small Skoda for the second. These are not in my view suitable for hire and reward. We were crushed and uncomfortable on the journey, yet they displayed the council plate, which means someone at the council thought they were adequate.

And then the no smoking policy. The times we have jumped into a car to smell that the driver as obviously had a quick cigarette before arriving at our pick up point surely defeats the policy, the use of air fresheners to hide the smoke smell in some cars is more overbearing than the smoke itself.

The standard of the drivers is also worrying. On one journey the driver hit the kerb that many times we had to ask if he was ok. Another when I asked him to pull over on the Wyle Cop just stopped mid lane with no indication, causing traffic behind to take avoiding action.

It also appears that some drivers do not know what indicators are for and that they are never wrong when it comes to driving.

And on to the black cabs, usually a better drive but I expect that if I arrive at the station rank I will get a wide door access cab.

Arriving at the station a few weeks ago we were asked to get in the next available cab which was a standard black car, no good when escorting a person that needs wide access.

So come on Shropshire Council, have the rules on taxis and private hire cars changed?

A Cosnett

Shrewsbury