Taxi Driver Online

Taxi safety fear raised in survey

Taxis are causing a "serious health and safety risk" in a Dales town, according to a report commissioned by council chiefs.

And Mouchel consultants has called for a sweeping overhaul of taxi services in the Dales after filming taxis at the Bakewell Road bus station and Rehab nightclub in Matlock at kicking-out time.

The video survey was part of a detailed 50-page report, commissioned by Derbyshire Dales District Council. It calls for stricter regulations and more communication between drivers and authorities.

In the report, Mouchel wrote: "Taxis were witnessed frequently driving straight through the bus station as if using it as a shortcut. If this is the case then there is a serious health and safety risk."

The report identified safety risks at the Olde Englishe Road taxi rank. It said too many drivers made three-point-turns in a confined space, with up to 25 taxis queueing outside Rehab nightclub on the busiest nights of the year.

And it added the district council's policy of allowing drivers from other areas to serve the Dales was causing conflict with local drivers.

Driver Brian Masters, from Matlock Taxis, agreed with the findings.

Mr Masters said: "The local companies that have been trading in Matlock for years can't do anything since they started issuing licences out to Derby drivers who don't know the area and some can't speak English.

"Would they like it if I sat someone next to them in town hall who couldn't do their job, taking half their wages?" he asked.

District council chief executive David Wheatcroft supported the report's recomendations.

He added drivers should be offered training and be able to speak English.

The partnership and regeneration policy committee will decide whether to back the proposals in February.

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