Taxi Driver Online

Burnley Express

May 1, 2007

HEADLINE: Cab chaos in town centre

FRUSTRATED Burnley cab drivers claim Burnley Council's deregulation of black cab licences has led to chaos in the town centre.

Cabs are touting more than ever according to irate drivers who also feel the council is failing to fulfil promises made after the limit was lifted.

Mr Mohammed Ibrar, chairman of Burnley Hackney Cab Association, said: "The council said that opening up the market would mean less illegal plying for trade and touting thus increasing the safety of the public. I can honestly say the touting has increased which is surely making it more unsafe for the public."

The decision to deregulate trade within the town was upheld at a meeting of Burnley Council's Executive in January. Some 34 licences had been in use until then but following the deregulation more black cabs are now in operation.

"There are over 50 black cabs on the road now and there is just not enough space for them all," said Mr Ibrar. "When there were 34 cabs in operation a rota system was used meaning a certain number of cars were on the road at the same time. Now it is impossible to do this and it's causing complete chaos.

"The council asked us to make our fleet safer and we have done that so they should really keep their end of the bargain. They have not done anything though. They promised us they would put up more hailing points, expand the amount of ranks and do some proactive advertising. None of this has been done,though and we've tried contacting them but we've had absolutely nothing back.

"There are only 11 spaces at the Croft Street rank and drivers are having to double park and park on yellow lines. It's just ridiculous especially on a Friday or Saturday night. They want cabs to use other ranks but there's no point if there's no business there. Something needs to be done about the situation quickly."

Sue Graham, Burnley Council's head of planning and environment, said: "The council has issued 12 new hackney carriage licences since taking the decision not to impose a limit on the number of licences. This bring the number of black cab licences to 46.

"There are 11 spaces for black cabs at the bus station. If a driver arrives and finds the spaces are full then he should find a space at another of the ranks in the town centre."
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So an extra 12 cabs is causing all those problems.

Why not be honest Mr Ibrar and say you are just miffed that you no-longer have drivers begging to drive your car.

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IDFIMH