DUNDEE APP BREAKS THE LAW

Taxi drivers have slammed an app which “confuses” customers into paying large sums for short journeys.

The taxisdundee.co.uk app is one of the first which appears on popular internet search engines when users search for “Dundee taxis”.

The website, operated by a Netherlands-registered company called Taxi Code, offers visitors the chance to check how much a journey will cost between two points and pay for the booking. The prices offered by the app far exceed what would be charged by a conventional, licensed taxi.

The Dundee Taxi Association warned tourists flocking to the city to see the V&A could be left with a sour taste if they book a taxi through the app.

Disabled accessible taxis appear to cost at least £4 more per booking, which flies in the face of Dundee City Council’s rules.

Taxi driver Graham Pert is a licensed driver who picked up a customer who had previously used the app.

“I took the lady from Pitkerro Road to Guthrie Street, which cost about £5,” he said.

“She then said she had paid £14 to do the same journey earlier.”

Graeme Stephen, chairman of the Taxi Association, said it was concerning companies were “getting away” with charging such prices.

He said: “It’s not just that they are taking more money than they should which is worrying, but that people will be put off booking taxis and using cabs if they see the prices advertised and think they are a rip-off.

“A visitor from overseas might do a quick search on their smart phone before visiting, see how much is being charged, then decide not to use a taxi.”

A spokesman for Dundee City Council confirmed the local authority is now investigating the claims.

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