WEST Somerset District Council has revealed that a taxi driver took the millennium as opportunity to make a quick buck by showing passengers forged papers.
They discovered that at least one driver produced an official looking document which stated that the New Year's Eve surcharges were on the express orders of the district council, and therefore mandatory rather than discretionary.
The drivers applied to West Somerset District Council earlier this year for permission to increase the fares and on the basis that most services were more expensive for the millennium celebrations.
West Somerset licensing committee chairman Cllr Keith Parkes said:
-has-been-sent-to-prison-for-his-role-in-Just-Stop-Oi.jpeg?width=209&height=140&crop=209:145,smart&quality=75)
Council leader who gave money to jailed activist denies supporting criminal activity-Chloe-Hadjimatheou-Rachel-Jo.jpeg?width=209&height=140&crop=209:145,smart&quality=75)
Dulverton features in Sky documentary on debate surrounding 'The Salt Path'-and-key-stage-one-team.jpeg?width=209&height=140&crop=209:145,smart&quality=75)
More than 100 pupils compete in annual West Somerset schools gymnastics competition.jpeg?width=209&height=140&crop=209:145,smart&quality=75)
Somerset Council lets new four-year contract to manage trees and tackle ash dieback"I am sure that the vast majority of drivers behaved honourably on the evening in question.
"But I should like to hear from anyone who was misled by this piece of mischief, so we can identify the driver, or drivers, responsible."
Cllr Parkes said he had heard that one passenger was charged £7.50 to travel from Wellington Square to the end of Blenheim Road - only half a mile.
In October, district councillors agreed that the fares could be double the normal tariff with an additional £5 surcharge on top.
The inflated rate ran from 6pm on New Year's Eve through to 7am on January 2.