Calls for action over bogus taxis

Licensed taxi owners in Birmingham have accused the police of ignoring bogus drivers working in the city's entertainment area.

The Birmingham and Solihull Taxi Drivers' Association claim un-licensed private hire cars regularly pick up passengers who have not booked.

It says this is unsafe for customers and is taking away their business.

The group alleges Broad Street and Hurst Street are particular targets despite police officers on duty.

Mohammed Rashid, the chairman of the association said: "It's happening right in front of me in the city centre, they are not licensed vehicles and they shouldn't be picking up off the street.

'Busy period'

"When the police see this happening they should stop the drivers, they have got no insurance and they shouldn't be doing it.

"I know the police have got more important things to do but it doesn't give them the excuse to turn a blind eye."

But West Midlands Police have denied they are ignoring the problem.

Chief Supt Peter Goodman said: "Friday and Saturday between 10pm and 4am is a very, very busy period for us in the city centre.

"There are lots of incidents of disorder, lots of people who've had too much to drink and other problems, one of which is taxis and private hire vehicles."

He said a meeting between police and bar owners in Broad Street is being held on Tuesday night to discuss this and other problems in the area.