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| Not fair fares in Eastbourne http://taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7189 |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Fri Oct 26, 2007 6:52 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Not fair fares in Eastbourne |
Row over Fare's Fair taxi stickers Opposed to a recent fare rise, Hackney carriage drivers at 720 Cars have refused to implement the rise and displayed Fare's Fair 2005 stickers in their windows to let people know they were offering lower fares. But the stickers have caused controversy and drivers were last week warned by Eastbourne Borough Council officials the signs were 'unauthorised advertisements' and if they were not removed by Sunday night, drivers risked being taken off the road on Monday morning. Company chairman Barry Morris said he was furious drivers had been forced to remove the stickers which he said were for information only and were not advertisements. "The Fare's Fair 2005 stickers are to inform the public that that particular vehicle was not implementing the council fare rise," said Mr Morris. "It's information for the public. "In June this year Eastbourne's licensing committee approved a fare rise for Hackney carriage drivers in Eastbourne. "We were not in favour of a rise and subsequently provided all of our vehicles with Fare's Fair 2005 stickers to be displayed in the front windscreen of each vehicle. "If there are to be different rates from town centre ranks then the public have a right to know. "I would suggest any Hackney carriage proprietor should have the right to display their own fare structure notice for information only." Mr Morris said the company had no choice but to remove the stickers. It has now appealed against the decision by the council's licensing manager Kareen Plympton, and the matter will have to be settled by councillors at a special meeting of the licensing committee. Mr Morris said he was angered by the issue because he says a number of cars with other companies have historically displayed stickers which had not been approved by the council and still do. "It can't be one rule for one and another rule for another," said Mr Morris. He said as far back as 2004 he had questioned council officials whether door and window signs on private hire vehicles had been approved and many independent Hackney carriage drivers have unapproved door signs. A council spokesperson told the Herald, "The council works closely with a range of private hire drivers and operators, as well as Hackney carriage drivers to ensure compliance with the council's vehicle conditions. "Conditions are set by the council's licensing committee and aim to ensure that the vehicles are fit for purpose, are easily identifiable, and meet public safety standards." The council spokesperson confirmed that no vehicles have been suspended, however, where conditions are breached, initial advice would normally be given prior to further action being taken. |
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