The following is stated realising the guy may have been quoted out of context by the press and without the benefit of the minutes!!!
Quote:
Fears that private hire vehicles will be allowed to flood the market, while cabbies face extra costs to comply with disability regulations, were aired by Sean Whitfield, chairman of the Bury Taxi Drivers on Wednesday.
PH numbers are'nt limited, but as stated the guy was probably wrongly quoted.
Quote:
"If the rank is full of private hire vehicles, our earnings are going to go down and our business will be worth nothing," he told St Edmundsbury Borough Council's policy development committee.
If the rank is full of PHV's expect a full scale riot too!!!!
Quote:
The committee recommended the council carry out a £10-15,000 survey on taxi demand to determine whether to deregulate.
But the drivers of Bury's 26 taxis will have to pay a third of the survey's costs or face deregulation – and even then, the survey results may still lead to the deregulation they fear.
Pretty unfair by the council really, surely if the trade are paying some of it then a "managed growth policy" would be best negotiated by the trade.
Quote:
But Cllr Philip French said: "I have no doubt whatsoever there will be an initial flood but at some stage it will bottom out and find its own level as it is with any business."
How refreshing? this guys mind is made up already!
Quote:
Taxi drivers are also unhappy that new vehicles coming into service will have to meet disabled specifications but the private hire vehicles will not.
Could be quoted out of context.
But I would suggest that PHV are outside of the LA remit for the time being and if deregulation is to occur, then surely making the buggers buy an expensive vehicle would better regulate entry.
regards
Captain cab