A TAXI boss has fired a warning shot at fare dodgers after one of his drivers picked up two passengers in Bury town centre who had no money to pay.

Charles Oakes, chairman of the Bolton Hackney Association, spoke out after the cabbie was accused of locking two teenage girls in his vehicle for 90 minutes because they could not pay.

Mr Oakes said the passengers had exaggerated the situation and claims the problem of fare dodging is on the increase.

"Getting into a cab with no money could be considered as unlawfully obtaining services.

"In these situations if we do not get our fare and the police deem it a civil matter then we will issue proceedings in the civil courts.

"That might not be cost-effective but I will do it on principle, otherwise people will think they can get away with it."

He added: "It would not happen in any other service industry - people would not turn up at a restaurant or hotel without money."