Taxi Driver Online

http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/news/ ... n-1.213913


Stuart Elder pictured at the Nethergate taxi rank.D C Thomson & Co Ltd

Dundee taxi drivers’ vehicles are being repossessed as they struggle to cope with rising costs — and more could follow, a union chief has warned.

Stuart Elder, president of the GMB Dundee WAV (wheelchair-accessible vehicles) Taxi Branch — which has more than 70 members — says cab drivers will suffer if they have to pay for the introduction of taxi marshals.

The idea is being discussed by operators and Dundee City Council, with Stephen Graeme of Dundee Taxi Drivers’ Association issuing his support last week.

It’s proposed the cost of marshals — who would organise late-night ranks at weekends — could be recovered from drivers’ licence fees.

“This is going to cost either taxi drivers, or it’s going to cost the public,” said Mr Elder, who is also a driver.

“We pay in excess of £100,000 a year for a cab enforcement unit. We pay Police Scotland a lot of money for a unit that should be policing the taxi ranks. It’s hard to make money out there as it is.

“There are people out there having to run very expensive wheelchair-accessible cars. We’ve got to go to special dealers and these cars are in excess of £20,000.

“There are even guys getting their cars repossessed.

“At the end of last year, there were three that lost their livelihoods.

“It costs me £1,300 each month before I make any money — that’s between my taxi, my insurance and office fees.”

Erik Thoresen, chair of Dundee Hackney Association, agrees.

He said: “We can’t afford more costs.

“If there was a significant demand, a real need, we would understand. But we don’t see any need whatsoever for this.”

Councillor Stewart Hunter, licensing convener, said: “At the moment, the council hasn’t taken any decision. This has been a suggestion by one of the taxi groups.

“We’ve got to say: is it practical? Is it financially viable?

“If both these things are met, it’s something we would consider.

“The main priority is what’s best for the users — that’s our priority and always has to be.

“There’s still work to be done on this before anything comes through to the licensing committee.

“We will listen to both sides and make a decision based on what’s best.”

Mr Elder is right - wtf should the cab trade pay?

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

our marshall scheme is financed by the town centre management, where their funding comes from I'm not sure, but it isn't the trade.

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

At the moment they have lamped every Hack down here with an extra £100 on their licence to pay for the Marshalls. I believe that there is a Judicial review pending. A statement released in our local press a night or two ago stating that Cardiff like many councils are struggling and..................they may have to stop the taxi Marshalling as it costs so much, which leads me to believe they are going to lose their case.

Taxi Marshalling to me is a "Law and Order" issue and should be dealt with by the police! Unfortunately just like initially they used to dish out parking tickets,. they cried out for "Traffic Wardens" to do that menial side of their profession, so they can continue to stand around. The same has happened re law and order on the taxi ranks - a quick side step, and pass it onto others along with the cost. This is about policing costs that have nothing whatsoever to do with us. If 50/100,000 people come into town then I take the same money with or without taxi Marshalls. In a nutshell I am contributing more than "Joe Public" who causes the problem, to the police budget in a roundabout fashion

_________________
if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

Hang on a minute, If the hacks are paying £100 each for the "privilege" how is it costing the Council money? If they stop the marshalls, will your fees go down by £100?

_________________
Grandad,

Two parts of my post might explain.............. Annnnd....

_________________
if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

Cost concerns see Dundee cab drivers snub taxi marshal idea


A union representing dozens of taxi drivers has announced its opposition to a proposal to introduce marshals at ranks.


The Unite taxi branch is worried about the cost of the scheme, which would see the marshals take charge of queuing and ensuring the drivers line up for fares properly.

Unite branch secretary Chris Elder said: “Our members are unanimous that they do not want taxi marshals in Dundee. They feel the cost would be too much.

“We are already paying for two cab officers and we feel they should be on shifts day and night. Why should we have to pay for marshals too?

“We would probably have to increase fares and we don’t want to do that.”

A meeting of the city council’s taxi liaison committee is scheduled to discuss the issue in a few days.

Mr Elder noted that one of the claims made for the need for marshals was to stop cars causing a safety hazard by parking on zig-zag lines outwith ranks.

“Parking on zig-zags is a traffic offence so the police can deal with that,” he said.

Unite represents around 140 taxi drivers and operators. Another union, the GMB, has around 70 members with wheelchair-accessible taxis and they are also against hiring marshals.

Branch president Stuart Elder said: “We pay in excess of £100,000 a year for a cab enforcement unit. We pay Police Scotland a lot of money for a unit that should be policing the taxi ranks.

“It’s hard to make money out there as it is. There are people out there having to run very expensive wheelchair-accessible cars.

“There are even guys getting their cars repossessed.”

Erik Thoresen, chairman of Dundee Hackney Association, agreed, saying: “We can’t afford more costs. If there was a significant demand, a real need, we would understand, but we don’t see any need whatsoever for this.”

Introducing marshals at the Hawkhill/Brown Street rank near the G casino has been suggested by Graeme Stephen, chairman of Dundee Taxi Drivers’ Association.

He said he was concerned about parking safety and about a lack of etiquette among some drivers that led to them picking up fares by jumping in front of the rank or heading directly outside the casino.

The council’s licensing convener Stewart Hunter said: “At the moment, the council hasn’t taken any decision.

“This has been a suggestion by one of the taxi groups.

“We’ve got to say ‘Is it practical? Is it financially viable?’ If both these things are met, it’s something we would consider.

“There’s still work to be done on this before anything comes through to the licensing committee. We will listen to both sides and make a decision based on what’s best.”

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/ ... a-1.215422

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

Im confused here - so who's in favour, who's against - why do people have the same surnames - who objected first UNITE or the GMB?

find out next week in the next episode of the Dundee Taxi shambles.........(fade to the theme tune to the TV series soap)

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

Do they have soap in Scotland.

_________________
IDFIMH

We have whatever our English Lords and masters decide we should have.

_________________

http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

you can have coal tar soap whilst we have Imperial Leather

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

Do we eat it or wipe our arses with it?

_________________

http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

Had a pint in the "Carbolic Bar" last night, it was smelling and, pint left an awfy taste.

They are all $hit hot banjo players too.