Cabbies' protest threats
HACKNEY cabbies fear they could be forced to stage a public protest if council bosses fail to act on their plea to control the rising number and deteriorating conduct of taxi drivers in Chesterfield.
Chairman David Hopton, of Chesterfield Hackney Owners' and Drivers' Association, accused Chesterfield Borough Council of failing to act and presented a written appeal to a council meeting last Wednesday.
Mr Hopton said: "If nothing happens we'll have to look at taking action and that could mean protests with drivers taking to roads at once and blocking up the town."
His statement claimed increasing numbers and a lack of controls meant drivers were having to work longer, some were quoting over-inflated prices, not using meters, taking customers on longer routes and there were increased carbon emissions. Mr Hopton argued there was no auditing or enforcement which has allowed inappropriate conduct, including refusal of disabled customers, selectively choosing customers on fare values and meter tampering.
He accused the council of failing to hold a survey for over 25 years and failing to enforce illegal-flagging by private hire cars and criticised Derbyshire County Council for not providing enough rank spaces or letting Hackneys use bus lanes.
Chesterfield Borough Council said it carried out spot checks and investigations and since 2001 had prosecuted 43 private hire drivers and most allegations were not substantiated .
It added that a survey on taxi demand is being considered.
Derbyshire County Council said it has discussed new ranks and it has safety concerns about proposed routes and the use of bus lanes.
source:
http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/
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