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Oasis Taxi Rip-Off Probe









Nine cab drivers are being investigated over claims they overcharged passengers and attempted to pick up fares illegally after Oasis's huge homecoming gigs.

Fans complained of being charged more than five times the going rate for journeys home from the Heaton Park concerts.

Manchester council asked M.E.N readers who had been stung following the June 6 gig to call a phone line.

They have now revealed that nine private hire and hackney carriage drivers are being investigated.

The cabbies - some of whom were reportedly opportunists from outside Manchester illegally plying for trade near the Prestwich venue - face prosecution and could have their taxi licences revoked.

Three of the drivers were reported to the council following the M.E.N appeal.

One is a Manchester hackney carriage driver accused of overcharging. The other two are hackney carriages from Tameside and Oldham that were reportedly overcharging and attempting to pick up fares illegally. Six other drivers were spotted by council officers.

A file on one cabbie has already been passed to the council's legal department who are prosecuting. If cases are successful, drivers will have to go before licensing bosses.

A Manchester council spokesman said: "We would like to remind members of the public who feel they have been charged too much by Manchester licensed taxi drivers to contact us on 0161 234 4512 with the driver's details."

One fan, 22-year-old Rob Buckley, shelled out £70 for a minicab home to Sale, a fare which normally costs just £18.

Source: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Tickets are still available for a number shows on Oasis' largest-ever UK Stadium tour, click here for availability of tickets.

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