http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=98912&command=displayContent&sourceNode=98821&contentPK=8813061
CABBIES HAIL TAXIS' NEW LOOK
12:00 - 12 February 2004
New European-style taxis could be introduced in Plymouth if the city council decides to grant them a licence next week.
The Eurocab would be an option for existing hackney carriage owners to use if the idea is given the green light by Plymouth City Council's licensing committee.
Plymouth cabbies and members of charity Shop Mobility were consulted about the proposals to bring in the new taxis last October when a number of companies which supply alternative forms of hackney carriage were invited to display their vehicles for viewing in the Council House car park.
The following month a letter was sent to all owners and drivers of hackney carriage vehicles seeking their views on alternative forms of transport. Of the 35 replies, 18 were in favour, with 15 against and three happy to go with whichever was the majority.
The move comes after drivers and owners of hackney carriages requested permission to buy alternative vehicles to the traditional London black cab.
Secretary of the Plymouth Licensed Taxi Association, Roy Hamilton said: "We are looking forward to them coming in - we have been trying to get them for ten years.
"They offer a better service to the public and better comfort for the drivers.
"We look forward to a vehicle that is better designed for modern driving conditions."
If the scheme gets the go-ahead a black colour restriction could be imposed on the new vehicles.
A report to the licensing committee, which meets next Thursday, outlines the specifications Eurocabs would need to meet and the recommendations for the committee.
It states: "In order to alleviate any confusion between hackney carriage vehicles and private hire vehicles, all Eurocab vehicles first presented for licensing with Plymouth City Council should not be more than three years of age from first registration and must be black in colour.
"These vehicles offer better access for wheelchair users and will also allow them the choice of facing forward or to the rear."
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so out of 650 HC drivers in plymouth only 35 bothered to reply. hows that for forward thinking.....
i like the:
"They offer a better service to the public and better comfort for the drivers.
"We look forward to a vehicle that is better designed for modern driving conditions."
i hope LTI are reading this. no court actions needed, no old school councillors demanding a 25ft turning circle, just a council looking to better the service to the customers and the comfort (and less cost) to the drivers.