BANGOR’s roads are being plagued at night by young motorists who are driving recklessly and working as unlicensed taxis, according to registered taxi drivers in the city.
Drivers are becoming increasingly angered by the practice, which they say is most common on weekends and represents a threat to their livelihoods as well as a danger to public safety.
Malcolm Horn, who runs Malcolm’s Taxi Service, said that tough action was needed to clamp down on the problem.
“You can see the young motorists and its obvious what they are doing,” he said.
He added that his main concern was the threat posed to public safety.
“You go to the police and they say it’s a council problem and you go to the council and they say we have to get the police involved. Everybody is just passing the book.”
Michael Tynan, the owner of Classic Cabs, added: “It’s been going on for a long time. It’s taking money out of our pockets and the people doing it won’t be insured to use their cars for private hire.”
The Chronicle has also been contacted anonymously by a taxi driver, who was worried about people accepting lifts from strangers after a man was assaulted in a car park near Caernarfon earlier this month. He had accepted a lift from strangers in Bangor.
Bangor Councillor, Doug Madge, said reckless driving of all kinds poses a big risk to public safety in the city.
“I was nearly hit by a young driver speeding the other day,” he said.
“They are being stupid and they do not realise the danger or the speed they are travelling at sometimes.”
A Gwynedd Council spokesman said: “We would urge the public to make sure they used legitimate and licensed taxis.
“An unlicensed car and driver has not been vetted by the council and may not be insured.”
“Bogus drivers may also be undercutting legitimate taxi businesses.
A North Wales Police spokesman said they were not aware of any particular problems but added: “We would urge any individuals who witness anyone driving in an anti-social manner to report the matter to local officers at Bangor on 101 or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh) 0845 607 1002 (English).
“Anyone found driving inappropriately will be dealt with robustly.”