A taxi driver says a hotel car is stealing trade from cabbies on the Island.

William Glenn Tucker claims a vehicle registered to the Fairmont Southampton Hotel has been spotted parked at Riddell's Bay Golf and Country Club, ferrying guests to and from the fairway.

In a letter to Dawn Simmons, Public Service Vehicle Licensing Board chairwoman at the Transport Control Department, Mr. Tucker says this is affecting the livelihood of fellow taxi drivers.

He says he was alerted to the vehicle's presence by "a number of taxi operators, who expressed concern that this vehicle may be used to transfer guests staying at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel to and from the golf course".

"Should this be the case, ground transport that has been done by the taxi industry in the past will no longer be available to them," writes Mr. Tucker.

"I should further point out that, the Honourable Dr. Ewart Brown, Premier and Minister of Transport, has highlighted in many of his addresses to Bermuda that his marketing strategy for the off-season months puts emphasis on our golfing facilities that are available to visitors.

"The Premier recognises that during this period, November to March, there is little to no cruise ship activity, and hotel occupancy rates are generally low. Therefore, the taxi industry during this time relies heavily on what little work there is available, and cannot afford to forgo a $20 fare that would likely be received for six passengers with golf bags to Riddell's Bay Golf course."

Mr. Tucker, of St. George's, continues: "I have written a number of memos and letters to the Ministry concerning the lack of planning for the taxi Industry.

"Unfortunately, no one appears to be listening or has taken my recommendations seriously. My final approach to resolving the problems relating to the taxi Industry is to have The Royal Gazette print my concerns and to invite all residents and other stakeholders to comment thereon."

The Government and the Fairmont Southampton hotel did not respond to The Royal Gazette's requests for comment yesterday.