Taxi Driver Online

September 3, 2007 Monday

County's brake on cabbies scheme

Dorset Echo

DRIVERS who fought a long campaign to get problems in the taxi trade recognised are furious their efforts may be blocked by Dorset County Council.

County transportation manager Tim Westwood is recommending councillors turn down a request to allow taxis to drive through certain roads in Weymouth.

The request is for a trial only permitting private hire and hackney carriage drivers to access Hope Square from Spring Road and St Thomas Street from the seafront.

The drivers argue it would make their job easier, benefit customers - many of whom are elderly and disabled - and reduce pollution as the cars will not have to take a longer route.

While Mr Westwood accepts the drivers should be given exemptions to carry out their duties as public transport providers he believes this request would compromise safety.

This has angered private hire drivers Mandy Fry and John Sapsford who started their campaign almost two years ago.

They collected thousands of names for a petition, gained support from South Dorset MP Jim Knight and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

But as the highways authority the decision rests with Dorset County Council.

In a report to the county's Roads and Rights of Way Committee, Mr Westwood says although some motorists do not comply with the orders in Hope Square and St Thomas Street, lifting the ban for taxis would turn the roads into a popular cut through. Mr Sapsford and Ms Fry will be arguing their case at the committee meeting on September 10.

Mr Sapsford pointed out the St Thomas Street exemption is lifted at night for taxis to allow them to pick up people visiting pubs and nightclubs.

He said: "They let us get the streets clean of drunks but they don't allow us to take a short cut during the day so we can take a little old lady to the library. Where is the sense in that?"

Mr Sapsford added: "I'm frustrated that after all this time we could be blocked by councillors who may not even know the area we're talking about."

Ms Fry said: "We're asking for a trial to see if it works. If there are any problems, fine, then stop it. But at least give us a chance."
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So it's only safe to drive down that road in the dark?

What doesn't the council allow access for a trial period, and if dozens of people are maimed or killed then they can say I told you so.

But I bet they're not.

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IDFIMH