Taxi Driver Online

Coventry City Council 'could cause cab firm LTI closure'

COVENTRY cab firm LTI could be forced to close if city councillors agree to change the rules over which taxis are allowed in the city, according to union leaders.

They say the iconic British black cab firm – which has been manufacturing in Coventry for more than 70 years – could be forced out of business within the next two years.

Union leaders held an emergency meeting at the Holyhead Road factory yesterday after learning the city council’s licensing and regulatory committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss proposed changes.

Currently, only a limited number of models, including those made by LTI, conform to Conditions of Fitness used by the council when deciding whether to grant taxi licences.

But councillors are being asked to consider whether to introduce new standards, which would allow more manufacturers to compete for business in the city.

The move has been branded a real “kick in the teeth” by LTI workers, who are now campaigning to keep the current conditions and safeguard hundreds of jobs at the local company.

Des Quinn, regional officer for Unite union, said: “We cannot understand why the council would consider changing the standards.

“The council should take into account that this company supports hundreds of manufacturing jobs in the city and this decision could mean the loss of all these jobs and we could lose this company.

"It would be a real kick in the teeth for this workforce if their own politicans did not support them.”

Workers fear if Coventry decides to change its accepted Conditions of Fitness it would encourage other cities to do the same, resulting in more lost business for LTI.

Under the current regulations, taxi manufacturers have to meet high standards in design, which include driver and passenger safety, accessibility for people with disabilities and manoeuvrability.

But the council will look at three options next week, including licensing any purpose-built or converted taxi that meets any general criteria the council sets down.

According to union leaders, the review is being supported by manufacturers of the Peugeot E7 taxi, which fails to meet the current Conditions of Fitness. Peugeot closed its factory in Ryton in 2006, axing 2,300 workers.

Mr Quinn said: “It is an added insult that Peugeot deserted this city and now wants to lessen the standards in order to support a company which has not supported Coventry.

"If the council vote to change the Conditions of Fitness there will be a direct loss of sales and a clear signal to other cities which use the Condition of Fitness, including London, that Coventry does not support taxi manufacturing or the iconic London-style taxi. If the vote goes against us, we could be forced to close within the next two years.”

Unite has sent out about 40 letters to Coventry councillors asking for their support in this matter.

A spokesman for the city council said: “There are a number of options for the committee to consider and they will look at each very carefully.

Read More http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/c ... z16eqDIRuJ

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

Let's be honest they cannot suggest that the only reason they'll go out of business is because of this vote. They haven't really done much to ensure their future or that of their workforce. They should have had design after design on the table to ensure they can compete in the ever changing market of the taxi trade. I've always wondered why there was never a version of a purpose built saloon taxi for the areas that are allowed them. Even more imaginative is a purpose ph vehicle which you may think is a little strange, but, in my opinion very marketable with very few changes to a few of the bigger and more sustainable saloons.

I think they sat on their asses a little too much thinking things would never change

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

Any firm that is beholden to a deamnd from a single licensing authority is in big trouble.

But why should the trade subsidise them?

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IDFIMH

Good riddance to the over priced heaps of sheit

You might be driving one yourself soon, the equality bill?

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Former taxi driver

I can drive ANY type of WAV as we are not restricted to vehicle type

COMPLACENCY is what will kill LTI.

A purpose-built PHV does sound strange, but it's something I've thought about before now....