Taxi Driver Online

Not really sure what your point it - unless it's about the Higgs bosun and I'm missing something - but here's how the surveys work. Or don't.

In a place like Brighton, say, there would be effectively no PH (other than chauffer, executive, or whatever) but for HC numerical controls and/or a WAV requirement for an HC licence.

So say there were 100 saloon HCs thirty years ago, and no PH. The market grows significantly over the years, so today there's 300 saloon HCs and still no PH.

But if the 100 saloon HCs had been restricted thirty years ago, then the likelihood is that now there'd be something like 200 PH.

So unrestricted you've got 300 HC but zero PH.

Restricted you've got 100 HC and 200 PH.

And the surveys conducted during the 30 years would have found effectively no unmet demand, because the growth in demand has been supplied by another sector - ie PH - so effectively the HC numbers are set in stone.

So HC numbers are only a third of what they would be if the market had been unrestricted, but according to the surveys that's all fine and dandy. And of course it's all fine and dandy for the HC cartel and their monopoly, plate premiums etc.

The surveys only cover one limited aspect of the market, which allows the market as a whole to become grossly distorted.

But all this suits both the HC and PH barons (and keeps their serfs where they want them), not to mention the surveyors and the relevant LAs.

Regulatory capture, innit?

But they are just saying leave things as they are, everything is ticker-tee-boo.

Well things aren't.

What we all need is justified coherent alternatives to those proposals that individuals oppose.

And councils need to stop listening to the chaps with the biggest gobs, and think what best for punters a bit more.

There is nothing really wrong with rank cabs, it's you PH cars that have forced this issue because of your greedy must have it all undercutting methods,

How about think of the owners and driver's first, are you campaigning for lower and more regular buses and train's, are you campaigning for the min wage to be raised to a realistic level? NO you aren't are you, you're just smuggling a good guy lie in to further your own ends.

Not saying there is much wrong with rank cabs, but clearly your local punters are choosing to be served by the PH side.

Maybe instead of ignoring them you should find out why they are leaving your lot in droves and rectify it.