Taxicab Company Owner Angered Over 'Illegal' Competition

Tom Clerico is running out of patience.

The owner of AA1-Taxi took to the microphone at the Oct. 23 Township Council meeting to repeat his request that action be taken against cab companies operating without permits in town.

"The problem continues," Clerico told the council. "There are a lot of taxicab companies operating illegally in Berkeley. "My company is getting nowhere in getting this illegal operation to stop."

Clerico said he sent a list of the companies unlicensed to operate in Berkeley to the Township Clerk's office, with phone numbers of each company.

"We have seen these companies coming in and out of the township on a regular basis," he said. "They are not operating legally. It's black and white."

The council adopted an ordinance in September that increases the number of cab company permits to 20 and hikes the fee increase paid per driver from $10 to $25.

Companies that lack permits will face fines of up to $2,000 if they try to do business in the township, according to the new ordinance.

"I've tried to be patient, but this is a business trying to survive in this economy," Clerico said. "You should be really incensed...they are thumbing their noses at you."

Township Council President James J. Byrnes said it would be unrealistic for police officers to stop cabs just to check their credentials.

"Simply call them up and say 'cease and desist,' " Clerico said. "You don't have to stop them. They know they are breaking the law."

Lt. Anthony Chiorazzi - who attended the meeting - said the law forbids police from stopping motor vehicles without a reason.

"We can't just stop cabs for no reason," he said. "We need some probable cause. It's a motor vehicle stop. I have to have a reason to stop the motor vehicle to go inside and check it."

Byrnes made a motion that the council approved that all cab companies will be informed of the amended ordianance.

"It will be enforced," he said.