Taxi Driver Online

Recession may decimate resort's cab services

SOUTHEND could see a significant drop in the number of taxis on the town’s streets because drivers are unable to weather the recession, a leading councillor claims.

Labour group leader David Norman spoke out as talks were held between Southend Council and cabbies over a possible rise in the cost of issuing licences to private hire drivers.

The proposed increase will mean a 19 per cent increase for vehicle licences from £260 to £310 and individual drivers’ licences will rise by £81.50 from £214 to £292.50, a 38 per cent price hike.

Mr Norman said: “I will be pushing for the council to set up a special committee to look at the plight of taxi drivers. “We have an excellent service in the town, which is much better than others I have seen across the country. “They are having a bad time at the moment with increasing costs and the recession, which means fewer people are using them.

“They need all the help they can get, and if we do not realise how serious the position is, then there is a danger we could see a major drop in the number of cabbies available for Southend people.

“This is a problem we are going to have to address if we are to preserve a service which is important to the public transport in the town, especially late at night when buses and trains have stopped running.”

Southend Council’s licensing committee was due to look in detail at the plight of taxi drivers at a meeting today. Mr Norman added: “Southend has a night time economy and people need taxis so they can get home safely and comfortably. “I hope the licensing committee will be listening and that the cabinet and council will take note as well.”

Dave Clift, secretary of the Southend Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said he would not comment on the situation until after the meeting.

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IDFIMH

A sensible approach, some should perhaps take note.

CC

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

agreed, any word?

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My heart is heavy, but my consience clear,
I voted Yes, without any fear.

I think the committee were made well aware that their proposals were not in accordance with the law, so they are going to have to invest in a new Taxi law book, and advertise for a new licensing lawyer.

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IDFIMH

Fees row puts cab rides in jeopardy

By Mike Miners »

CABBIES in Southend have said they may stop picking up customers on Friday and Saturday nights because of a row over licensing costs.

Drivers are angry after the council’s licensing committee proposed an increase of £150 extra a year, just to run a taxi in the town.

Cabbies led by Terry Flanagan, of the GMB union, issued the threat after a meeting with members of Southend Council’s licensing committee.

After the meeting, Mr Flanagan, from north London, said: “Because of the recession, drivers’ takings are down 30 or 40 per cent, and they decided to freeze fares at their last meeting, but their costs are still going up.”

The GMB represents most of the drivers in the town and it questioned why Southend Council was raising a cabbie’s licence from £198 to £292.50. Drivers will also have to pay an extra £50 council charge for vehicle licensing.

The union points to a legal case in 1991, which ruled the amount can only be raised by the increased amount it costs to process the licence.

Dave Clift, secretary of the Southend Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said: “With more than 800 cab drivers licensed in the town, how can the costs have increased by more than £80,000 in the last three years, since the last rise?”

However, at the meeting, the licensing committee did recommend to the cabinet that a working party be set up to look at the proposed increases.

Ian Robertson is responsible for cabs and driver licensing on Southend Council.

He said: “I’m very aware of the pressures the recession is putting on all small businesses and obviously I want to help where I can.

“But these increases were approved by full council, so I will be making some recommendations which I will only specify when this comes before the cabinet.”

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Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

Very sound advice. You would have thought Southend's legal team would have been aware of licensing laws. Thank the lord Terry received proper advice.


Just because a load of councillor approve something doesn't mean it's legal. That's why we have judges.

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IDFIMH