Fairer deal for cabbies
CASH-strapped cabbies have been given longer to replace their vehicles as part of a bid to get older taxis off the road.
The aim had been to ban taxis more than 10 years old from the Blackpool fleet by 2013 but restrictions have been relaxed by town hall licensing chiefs.
It means the maximum age for purpose-built vehicles, mostly black cabs, has been increased to 12 years by 2013.
Saloon taxis must still be no older than 10 years by 2013 but are being given more time to phase in the changes.
Coun Ian Fowler cabinet member with responsibility for business services, said: "We have listened to the taxi trade and we understand the difficulties some of them are facing in the current economic climate.
"We recognise the investment required to buy a purpose-built vehicle. The taxi trade is important to the people of Blackpool.
"This is why we have decided to relax the rules as we have done."
A new purpose-built cab, which can accommodate wheelchairs, can cost up to £35,000.
source:
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/