COUNCIL bosses have launched a crackdown on taxi drivers who overcharge during the festive period.

The problem of passengers in the Ribble Valley being forced to pay over the odds for their journey home by cab was highlighted by Coun Philip Nierop.

He told a meeting of Ribble Valley Borough Council's policy and finance committee of the experience of two girls sharing a cab home who agreed a price with the driver.

The first girl paid the agreed price when she was dropped off but then the driver demanded the same fare again from the second girl when she arrived at her home.

Coun Nierop said: "I have heard of this behaviour before.

"I am not suggesting that all drivers are guilty of malpractice.

"But I am concerned that in the period running up to Christmas and the New Year a few unscrupulous drivers may exploit their passengers, particularly youngsters, by demanding excessive and illegal fares."

Council bosses are now advising passengers to agree taxi fares before they set off on their journey.

Special fares agreed for the Christmas and New Year period will be publicised.

Letters are also being sent out to all hackney carriage and private hire operators.

These are making it clear that any operator who is found guilty of overcharging will be severely dealt with.

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