Taxi Driver Online

GMB TAXI DRIVERS WORKING IN ASHFORD KENT CALL FOR REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT PLANS WHICH EXCLUDE BUSES AND TAXIS FROM THE RAIL STATION

Drivers seek to alter the plans to achieve both a pedestrian friendly environment and ease of access to essential transport

Mick Hildreth GMB Secretary of the Professional Drivers National Organising Committee commented on plans to change arrangements at Ashford railway station in Kent.

He said, 'It seems ridiculous that both the taxis and buses working from Ashford Station are being moved to make way for an area described by a representative of South Eastern Trains as a pedestrian plaza. Such an area we are told is essential as the private company, Ashford’s Future, responsible for the project has received a grant from a government department to make it happen. Work is due to start on June 10th.

Whilst GMB support changes to streets and squares to make them pedestrian friendly we cannot sit by and allow essential transport to be moved to a position where the travelling public will not be able to see them and for no consideration to be given to the disabled, infirm or mothers with young children who use the services provided by taxis and buses.

It is quite clear from evidence in a recent report to the Government that taxis are an integral part of the local transport infrastructure and should be positioned as close to train station entrances as possible. If this project continues in its current format disabled and elderly people will be deprived of the existing convenient and reliable service. We need a review to alter the plans to achieve both a pedestrian friendly environment and ease of access to essential transport.”

Ends

Contact: Mick Hildreth GMB PDB Provincial Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Secretary GMB PDB National Organising Committee on 07814 032002 or GMB Press Office: Steve Pryle on 07921 289880 or Rose Conroy, GMB on 07974 251823.

_________________
Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

The words recent....and government spring to mind.......as do the previous 13 odd years to sort the f*cking problem.

But then, that might be the bushmills.

CC

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