Taxi Driver Online

Executive hire driver John Aitken has poured scorn on Chester City Council’s “draconian” measures


A CHAUFFEUR has attacked Chester City Council claiming their “draconian” measures are hitting limousine drivers hard in the pocket..

Chester Hackney carriage drivers have slammed the council’s decision to lift limits on taxi numbers saying it has led to falling standards and drivers liveli- hoods being destroyed.

Now, limousine driver John Aitken, 55, of Hatton Road, Blacon says they aren’t the only drivers fearing for their futures.

He said: “All contract cheauffers have to be licensed and being so bureaucratic the council decided to put an age limit on the cars. All the cars have to be new cars.

“I drive for companies like Unilever and Marks and Spencer, the car is very clean and well maintained and I never have complaints.

“I drive a Volvo S80 on a 2002 registration plate but when my licence runs out I won’t be able to do the job I am doing because the council says the car is too old. There will be many others too.

“Chester is draconian in the way they operate for all taxi drivers.

“You just cannot get on without the backing of a bank manager lending you hundreds of pounds.

“In Chester we have to re-apply every year but in Ellesmere Port and Neston it is every three years, and there is no age restriction.

“We have to have two MOTs every year, we have to pay the council for one and then have one like any other driver would.

“ I am worried for the future. I could lose my car and my job.”

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I'm not a fan of age limits....and if this guy is doing PH work then surely age limits go against the meaning of PH?

2002? wow, that vehicle wouldnt get licensed here

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I think Ellesmere Port & Neston are more the exception to the rule and shouldn't really be used as a fair comparison as to what surrounding authorities consider reasonable

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

If he doesnt lose his car...it will surely break down

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin