Taxi Driver Online

'Lack of ranks is putting taxi jobs at risk'


NORTH East Lincolnshire has twice the number of Hackney taxi drivers than four years ago – and only five more parking spaces to help them cope.

The Grimsby Telegraph was contacted by a driver, who wished to remained anonymous, who claimed many cabbies faced going out of business unless something was done.

He said the problem had come from the cap being lifted on how many drivers could get a Hackney Carriage licence.

He said: "Things are becoming really difficult out here – this is people's livelihoods. There is nowhere for us to stop without us getting in trouble.
"One thing the council is saying is that market forces will dictate. I think that's an irresponsible thing for them to say because they are supposed to be working in our best interest. Where is there to go? There's a massive global recession."

Hackney taxi numbers in North East Lincolnshire have doubled in the past four years but there are only five more places for them to wait in.
A council spokesperson argued the imbalance was in the hands of supply and demand.

He said: "The council took the decision to de-limit hackney carriage licences in North East Lincolnshire in 2004.

"Prior to this, there was a limit of 121 hackney carriage plates issued. Today there are 240 in operation.

"Central Government placed a duty on local authorities to review their policies on hackney carriage quantity restrictions and strongly encouraged councils to de-limit and allow "the market" to limit the number of taxis.

"Before the pedestrianisation scheme, there was an eight-car rank in Victoria Street.

"To replace this, the council has relocated the rank to the section of street between Town Hall Street and New Street with a capacity for eight cars, and extended this into Town Hall Street with a capacity for two cars.

"These new ranks operate between 6am and midnight at the request of the police.

"During the period midnight to 6am, the council has established a new rank within the Riverhead bus stand area with a capacity for nine cars.

"The authority has also recently expanded the rank provision in the Station Approach by an additional three car spaces.

"The rank provision in the town centre has therefore been increased between four and five spaces depending on the time of day or night.

"North East Lincolnshire Council continues to work with the local Hackney Carriage Association to source and introduce facilities to aid its members."

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Then why weren't trade reps sorting this out four years ago?

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IDFIMH

They probably were.

We all know the speed at which new ranks are introduced.

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Former taxi driver

Does the law not say that there has to be enough ranks for the taxis licenced in a certain area?

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

As I doubt there is an area in the country with adequate rank space, I would imagine not.

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IDFIMH

No it doesnt.

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Well that's cr*p innit what are they suppose to do drive around in circles polluting the atmosphere until a spot becomes available on a rank

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

According to most byelaws....yes

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

No, what they are supposed to do is go home because there is clearly not the work out there for them. MARKET FORCES. I think the reason for not restricting the number of taxis is more to do with revenue than providing the number of taxis required to do the work. I know that taxi licensing is not supposed to make a profit but the extra revenue allows for the staff to be paid a bit more money or get extra staff to reduce the workload.

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Grandad,