Football fans heading to the first match of the season have been warned to be aware of potential taxi scams in the city.
The city council issued the warning as matchgoers descend on the city ahead of Liverpool's home clash with Norwich at 8pm.
In one case last season, a fan ended up being charged £20 for a trip between Lime Street and Anfield, more than double what it should have cost.
According to the council, the typical scam involves drivers refusing to switch their meters on for trips from the ground back into Liverpool, which means fans can be paying way over the odds.
The council's chair of licensing, Christine Banks said the authority would do everything it could to make sure fans get a fair deal.
Councillor Banks said: “It is completely unacceptable that anyone who goes to enjoy a game of football ends up getting ripped off on their way home.
“We will be continuing to conduct operations on matchdays this season in a bid to protect the public.
“Thankfully the vast majority of Liverpool’s taxi and private hire drivers are honest and play by the rules but the message to those who see our football fans as an easy target is – we will do all we can to catch you.”
Unite Union national taxi organiser Tommy McIntyre said a small minority of drivers threatened 'spoiling it for the rest'.
He said: “I would urge the travelling public to be vigilant when moving around the city in a cab and make sure that the meter is on at all times.
“The majority of passengers enjoy their experience in the cab having banter with the driver over the game as the driver will profess to have more knowledge than Mr Klopp!
“On a serious note, if the passenger feels that they are being ripped off, report it to Liverpool Licensing.”
Council licensing officers take part in 'Operation Topaz' throughout each football season to tackle any problems.
Last season 17 hackney carriage drivers were reported for demanding higher fares than they would have received from a metered trip – an offence known as cherry-picking.
Another 18 private hire drivers were reported for ‘plying for hire’ – which means they agreed to take a fare that had not been booked in advance.
This can mean that the driver or passenger would not be insured for the journey.
The three key pieces of advice the council is giving fans are:
- A hackney carriage (black cab) journey from the football stadiums into the city usually costs between £7 and £9
- All black cab journeys within Liverpool must have the meter engaged and the driver can only charge you for what is on the meter
- All journeys with private hire cars must be pre-booked in advance
Passengers can report any issues with taxis and private hire vehicles in Liverpool on 0151 233 3015 or licensingenforcement@liverpool.gov.uk
