Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers raise threat of strike in ongoing dispute with council bosses

Taxi drivers have been calling for Neath Port Talbot council to stop issuing new licenses because there is less work to go around

TAXI drivers have raised the threat of industrial action because of an ongoing dispute with council bosses.

They have been calling for years for a ban on new licences being issued because there is not enough work to go around.

Last year Neath Port Talbot Council agreed to pay half the cost of a survey on taxi usage, which would have to be carried out before a decision on the ban could be made.

But now the authority, which is struggling to cope with a £13 million budget shortfall, has confirmed it will not be in a position to pay its £7,500 share.

Taxi bosses are already fuming because Neath Port Talbot has started a new tendering process for school transport for special needs children and young people, which they fear could cost them work and threaten their livelihoods.

Neath Port Talbot Proprietors Association secretary Bob Hoyles said: “We are all extremely disappointed Neath Port Talbot has pulled out of the agreement to fund half the survey.

“We will be asking the trade if it is prepared to pay the full cost but to be honest the trade is struggling badly and we should not be doing Neath Port Talbot’s work for it.

“There will be a meeting called to discuss this and to see if there is some industrial action we can take to let the public know what is happening to the valued service we provide.

“The taxi trade is scrutinised more than any other trade. We have to pay for our badges and licences and Criminal Records Bureau checks. We’re the only industry that has to pay to come to work.”

In addition to the moratorium on new licences, taxi chiefs have asked Neath Port Talbot for an increase in fares. A meeting between council and trade representatives was due to take place today.

Proprietors say fuel has reached an all-time high and other costs are rising. They say they have not had a fare increase since 2008 but have no choice but to ask for some of the added burden to be passed on to passengers.

Mr Hoyles said: “The trade is dying on its feet. Everyone knows there are too many taxis on the road but now we are back to square one even though Neath Port Talbot has said it would help us.”

source: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/

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

Why should anyone else pay for something which will benefit only the hack plate owners? Pay for it yourselves.



Really?

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

You make a good point, but you also have to ask why the trade don't offer to pay for the whole survey.

We are talking about £7,500 divided by 285 owners. In other words an extra £26 each.

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IDFIMH