MR T wrote:
If you're advocating free-market approach... then you have to accept it in its entirety not just the bids that suit you, the L C's proposals would certainly make it easier for them.... back to night school for you Sussex...... brush-up on your Polish.
Yes, the free market is only OK when it suits

Daily Post (Liverpool)
April 15, 2005, Friday
HEADLINE: PART OF TAXI TEST MAY BE SCRAPPED;
PROPOSALS COULD RESULT IN LOWER STANDARDS, CLAIM CRITICS
BYLINE: BY GRAHAM DAVIES
HALF of the taxi drivers' 'knowledge' test could be abolished in Sefton.
The exam, which tests on common routes in the borough, is believed to have led to a reduction in private hire drivers willing to take on the job. If the proposals are agreed, it means private hire drivers will only have to revise local landmarks.
And while private hire operators welcomed the news, bodies representing drivers claimed scrapping part of the test would lead to lower standards.
Luke McCormick, of South Sefton Hackney Drivers' Association, said: 'Prior to the test, some drivers were acquiring licences merely as a stopgap until they got a 'proper job'.
'Since the introduction of the test and other measures, the standard of drivers and vehicles has improved noticeably. It ensures that new drivers are motivated and have at least a basic understanding of some of the laws that will apply to them. The test ensures that the council can measure that knowledge Tony Holmes, of Southport Owners and Drivers Private Hire Association, added that the test gave the trade a sense of professionalism.
The test was introduced in 1993 at the request of hackney carriage representatives. Part one of the test consists of 20 questions on landmarks and licensing and driving rules. Part two, which would be removed under the proposals, asks applicants six questions based on Merseyside routes, taken from a bank of 40 questions Along with checks on criminal records, driving history and health, the test forms part of the council's measures to ensure each applicant is a 'fit and proper person' for the job.
But private hire firms claimed the test was a 'back door' method of deterring potential private hire drivers at the behest of the hackney carriage trade, which has council-imposed restrictions on numbers.
Some firms said the test was irrelevant because destinations are not confined to one borough, and directions could be sought from customers.
Trevor Jones, of the North West Taxi Association, said: 'As a person who worked a private hire car and a hackney cab for 20 years before the test was implemented, I can honestly say that it is a barrier to this trade that is not needed. The technology available renders it obsolete. 'A training day would be more appropriate, as we find that some drivers who have passed the test cannot even change a wheel.'
Sefton's licensing and regulatory committee is urged to approve the change on Monday.