"We need people to complain", says taxi regulator

RTLC urges people to report cases of taxis overcharging on fares

"We need people to complain" about any potential cases of taxi drivers overcharging for journeys.

That's from the Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC), which regulates the sector on the Isle of Man.

It's after a post on social media claimed a 'small minority' of drivers aren't using meters when they should be.

Here's an excerpt of some of the claims that were made:

"If you take a taxi from a rank in Douglas, and the journey has not been pre-booked, then under the regulations governing the taxi trade the fare should normally be calculated using the taxi meter.

"However, it has become increasingly clear that some drivers are ignoring this and quoting inflated fixed prices instead, particularly for journeys going out of town.

"When passengers agree to this without insisting on the meter being used, they can easily end up paying far more than the correct metered fare."

The post got over a hundred comments, with many people sharing their experiences:

"Got two taxis out of Douglas to Kirk Micheal on two separate occasions (around the same time on the same day of the week). The first taxi charged us £80 for the trip out, it was our first time getting a taxi out of Douglas so although we thought it was steep we paid the fair and thought no more of it. However next time we needed a taxi out of Douglas we decided to ask a taxi driver on how much it might be. The taxi-man said "for that distance it should never be more than £50". We ended up going with him and only got charged £45!"

"I had to return to Ramsey from Nobles Recently from A&E, late at night. Phoned for a taxi and did not ask for meter to be used. The taxi driver was very pleasant and apologised for the cost which was £60."

But what exactly are the rules? And is enough being done to investigate them?

Secretary of the RTLC Noel Capewell and chair Graham Curphey have been speaking to Amy Griffiths: