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Taxi firms are turning down bookings from music fans heading to Radio 1's Big Weekend because they say it will not be financially viable.

While organisers are allowing taxis to ferry people to Burton Constable for the huge concert, featuring the likes of Katy Perry, Kasabian and Kings of Leon, the reality is the round trip will take too long.

Hull taxi firms are refusing Radio 1 Big Weekend bookings for this reason
By HDMJCampbell | Posted: May 15, 2017

By James Campbell


Taxi firms are turning down bookings from music fans heading to Radio 1's Big Weekend because they say it will not be financially viable.

While organisers are allowing taxis to ferry people to Burton Constable for the huge concert, featuring the likes of Katy Perry, Kasabian and Kings of Leon, the reality is the round trip will take too long.

Peter Nilsson, of the Hull Taxi Drivers' Association, says it is not worth taxi drivers dropping off at Radio 1's Big Weekend

Peter Nilsson, of the Hull Taxi Drivers' Association, said: "I attended the transport meetings regarding the event but I feel the organisers want people to use the buses, full stop.

"My advice to black cab drivers is to refuse to take people to Radio 1's Big Weekend. While there is a pick up and drop off point we are not well catered for.

"We could take five people to the venue for £36 but the bus will cost those five people a total of £75.

"However, it will simply take too long to get to and from Burton Constable to make it worthwhile. It will be absolute mayhem trying to get up and down Holderness Road. I am sorry for those wishing to get a taxi but that is the situation.

"There 1,300 private hire taxis and more than 200 black cabs that should available to help transport these 25,000 people each day but it just isn't viable.

"But we will certainly be there once people are dropped off in the city centre to take people back home."

Read more: Radio 1 Big Weekend 2017 tickets could be cancelled if you do this

Private hire companies are also taking a similar stance and bookings that have already been taken are now being cancelled.

A spokeswoman for 35 taxis said: "It will be easier for people to take the bus. Taxis will get stuck in the traffic and they will lose out.

"We have received bookings but we have had to call the customers back and tell them it is not possible.

"It is my understanding that this is situation is the same for other Hull firms across the board."

image: http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-
One woman, who did not wish to be named, had booked a taxi only for it to be cancelled. But she says she understands the situation.

She said: "I would've liked to have got a taxi as it would be more convenient and cheaper.

"But I have gone and booked the bus and there was no problem. I spoke to the taxi firm who apologised but I understand where they are coming from. They would lose out.

"A lot of people moan about the cost of transport but this is a free event. Think about how much you would have to pay for Glastonbury."

Earlier this week Martin Green, director of Hull 2017, said: "Radio 1's Big Weekend is a brilliant event in a wonderful location and we want to ensure people can get to and from it as smoothly as possible.

"Ticket holders' safety is paramount, but we also want to protect this beautiful and historic location made possible by the trustees at Burton Constable Hall. We also want reduce congestion on what are narrow country roads and the impact on people living locally.

"There are a number of ways we could have organised travel arrangements, but to have 25,000 people trying to get to the event by car each day would have resulted in enormous congestion, affecting their ability to get to and from the event."

money talks no doubt the bus companies are contributing to event costs

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Surely it's only not viable to the numpties quoting low prices.

Charge the meter rate, including waiting time, or double the normal fare.

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IDFIMH

probably £36 is the meter rate which is what makes it less viable

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

I am surprised that you are advocating that a TAXI should rip (overcharge) off someone to make a journey viable.
The only numpties I know of are the private hire drivers working for peanuts.

We have the same problem here when the forestry commission have their concerts in Delamere forest. We start off having a designated pick up and drop off point but when it's kicking out time and dark, they close the pick up point on safety grounds because of the amount of people walking down the lane all at the same time.
That's when the problems really start, traffic is bumper to bumper and they won't allow you to stop at all (understandable as it would cause chaos). It means calling your fare and telling them to walk the best part of a mile to the main road where there is room in the pub car park (usually) What do you charge your fare ? An hours waiting time on the meter isn't worth a carrot on a Friday or Saturday night.
I refuse any jobs going there if they require a return. I was nearly arrested last time I went there for a pick up and was hauled before the council to explain my arguing with the police over the issue. I told them I was picking up a wheelchair bound passenger and they suddenly changed their attitude and agreed with me!

Exactly the same round here at Sherwood Pines when the concert is on. I avoid the place like the plague.

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!