Recently you had a letter from a Mr Kirkwood who was expressing concern regarding his recent taxi journey. I’d like to take the opportunity to respond.

Wiltshire Council has a statutory duty to regulate and license the taxi trade to ensure the service to the general public is accessible and safe.

To become a licensed driver you must satisfy the “fit and proper person” conditions and all applicants are vetted with the Disclosure and Barring Service with an enhanced check and vehicles are tested on a regular basis.

Taxi tariffs are regularly reviewed and a new set of tariffs were introduced this May following consultation with taxi firms and through public notices. The council does not receive any income from the fares that are charged. These new tariffs have harmonised the fares across the county which means passengers know the maximum amount they can be charged and taxi firms can charge less.

I would recommend that before entering a taxi you check that it is a licensed taxi. The driver will have a badge which is usually worn around the neck and the vehicle has exterior plates which are located on the rear of the vehicle.

Councillor Peter Hutton, Portfolio for Public Protection, Wiltshire Council.