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Posted on the 19th February 2025 in PHTM News
FIFE TAXI DRIVERS ACCUSED OF ILLEGALLY OPERATING IN DUNDEE, SPARKING COUNCIL PROBE
A video showing a Fife-licensed taxi driver being confronted in Dundee has ignited a probe into allegations of illegal operation by Fife taxis across city lines.
Dundee drivers claim they are facing unfair competition, with Fife-licensed vehicles allegedly poaching fares within Dundee.
The footage, seen by The Courier, depicts a confrontation between a Dundee driver and a driver whose vehicle displays Fife Council plates.
Chris Elder, representing taxi drivers through Unite the Union, asserts that this issue has plagued Dundee drivers since the Covid pandemic.
"There have been several incidents reported to Fife Council," Elder stated. "This one that was filmed has given us more evidence to highlight the problem and I’ve also sent this to the police."
He further alleged that Fife drivers have been repeatedly observed operating in Dundee, often under the pretext of food deliveries.
"At the end of the day they are not licensed to operate in Dundee – why are they not doing food deliveries in their own boundaries?" Elder questioned.
Elder emphasised the potential risks to passenger safety, noting that confusion could arise in the event of an incident within a Fife-licensed cab operating in Dundee.
"If there is an incident in the cab, passengers might automatically assume it was a Dundee taxi they were in," he explained.
He also expressed concern about the potential impact on Dundee drivers' livelihoods. "It’s concerning that this is happening and potentially impacting on the livelihoods of local drivers.”
Dundee City Council has confirmed that the matter has been passed on to Fife Council for investigation.
Gillian Love, miscellaneous licensing lead officer for Fife Council, said: “We’ll investigate this and take appropriate action if necessary.”
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