Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Don't let them get away with not helping you.

I'm receiving reports that some taxi drivers are refusing to help passengers with their luggage/shopping bags.

Apparently they are citing Health & Safety 'rules' which, they claim, don't allow them to get out of their driving seats. This is absolute and utter rubbish.

One of the offences that a Hackney Carriage Licence holder can receive penalty points for is unreasonably refusing to assist a passenger with their bags. If you are confronted with a lazy taxi driver make a note of their name and badge number (if you can't get these then make a note of the taxi's number plate and, if possible, its taxi plate) and report the driver to the licensing department at Wiltshire Council.