Taxi Driver Online

This is a letter to the local rag from a Trafford Tory councillor, which makes interesting reading.

He makes an observation that the hackney carriage trade is significantly different to private hire? Without knowing it he is making a valid case for separate license funding of hackneys and private hire.

In Trafford private hire drivers pay a great deal more into the licensing budget than Hackney carriage drivers so we know where most of the survey funding comes from. Trafford at one time had dual badges but I'm not sure if that is still the case? I'm sure someone will enlighten me.
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UK Newsquest Regional Press - This is Cheshire

September 21, 2006 Thursday

HEADLINE: Cab increase will benefit borough

BYLINE: Reader letter

I WRITE in response to letters on hackney taxis. Trafford council's decision to increase the number of licences available was taken during my time as chairman of the relevant licensing committee.

Trafford has licensed just 103 hackneys since the council was formed in 1974. In reflecting just how much society has changed in the intervening 32 years - hugely increased pub licensed hours, attitudes to drink-driving, late night shopping, parking restrictions and much more - it surely makes sense that many more hackneys are now needed. It is also well known locally and even recognised by the taxi trade itself that there are parts of Trafford that have no coverage at all by hackney taxis.

Hackneys are significantly different to private hire taxis in that only hackneys can pick up passengers who flag them down on the street or from a taxi rank, an important public safety measure.

The council, noting government pressure to de-regulate taxis completely, undertook various pieces of research, consultations and the unmet demand survey. At all times the hackney trade attended meetings and the committee meetings in particular attracted large numbers of drivers and owners. As chairman, I ensured that they had many opportunities to address the committee. Their contributions were valuable and frequently voluble. The writer of last week's letter often attended and spoke.

There was no party line in committee, various options were considered and it was resolved to significantly increase the number of licences available with a few more offered later on a phased basis providing there is demand from taxi operators. So that is how it is now with a greater level of service on offer to Trafford residents. There are a number of new taxis already operating, 16 at the last count and capacity for more new applicants.

Rather than voting "like sheep", the Conservatives have in fact set measures in place that benefit Trafford residents with more of this safe and easily recognised form of transport and the trade has scope to expand when they believe there is yet further demand.

Councillor Michael Whetton, executive member for community safety, culture & sport
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