Cabbies sign up for consumer confidence scheme

One of Plymouth’s taxi firms has joined the growing ranks of companies signing up to the city’s 'Buy with Confidence' scheme.

Need-a-Cab is the first taxi business to join up to the nationally recognised scheme that aims to take the headache out of finding a reliable and trustworthy local business.

One of the company’s directors, Dave Evans, said: “We’re very proud to be the first taxi company to join the Buy with Confidence scheme.

“In an industry where service is paramount, we wanted to prove we are willing to go the extra mile for our customers and we’re sure that this will enhance our already growing reputation.”

As the licensing authority, Plymouth City Council ensures that taxis and private hire vehicles operators meet legal and licensing conditions, but, under the Buy with Confidence scheme, Trading Standards carry out extra checks to ensure that good customer service for both locals and tourists is at the top of the companies’ list of priorities.

Anyone wanting to join the scheme has their complaints history reviewed, they must be able to supply several good references from previous customers and agree to abide by the scheme's code of conduct, which requires them to follow both the letter and the spirit of the law. The business is then continually monitored throughout its membership to ensure that they keep up the standards expected from members of the Buy with Confidence scheme.

Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Brian Vincent said: “We hope that this will pave the way for more taxi and private operators to join the Buy with Confidence scheme.

“Our taxi and private hire companies have an important role in our evening and night time economy which is worth around £60 million a year and supports around 2,700 jobs.

“The ride to and from an event is part of going out and it is important to get the customer experience right. Get it wrong and you can end up souring a whole evening, which is no good for anyone. It’s great to see companies acknowledging the importance of customer confidence.”

For more information visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.