I write in reply to the letter from "Frustrated of Fazeley" in the Tamworth Herald (May 5th edition)

The writer is not happy with taxi fares in Tamworth, well they have the option of not travelling, or using a bus, or having a designated (non drinking) driver or getting comparitive quotes till they get a price that suits them.

Taxi fares are set by the council, assuming it was a taxi (hackney carriage) and the meter is there to be used, the midnight extra-time setting is also set by the council, maybe the council thinks anyone who works nights (unsocial hours) or bank holidays is worth it, i wonder if "frustrated" would work odd and unsocial hours for the same flat rate?

Star cars are not a taxi firm, which is why they do not use the word "taxi" in thier title or advertising, they are a private hire company.

"Frustrated" suggest cheaper taxis are required, well with insurance costing between £1000 and £3000 per year, a plate at £150-£250 a year and a badge costing £100-£200 a year, plus fuel rising 30% in just a year could "Frustrated" expand on thier theory as I am sure all taxi and private hire owners would love to know how.

In Tamworth all "Taxis" must be wheelchair access vehicles, even if they never ever get 1 wheelchair job, but the extra cost of a "WAV" must be borne by the owner.

The enhanced CRB check all drivers must take to get a badge every 3 years has just gone up from £36 to £44, another cost to be borne by the driver.

I look forward to seeing how I can run my taxi cheaper (as required by "frustrated").

A chap has taken the time to write into our local paper bemoaning the fact that Star cars of brum are a cheaper taxi than his local taxi firms now he has moved, they (the locals) even charge extra after midnight, and he wants, nay demands, cheaper taxis back from the pub (which should be shut before midnight anyway)

so ive replied....

Very good answer but you spelt their wrong twice.

Very good answer but you spelt their wrong twice.

I can only see one incorrect spelling of the word their.

A chap has taken the time to write into our local paper bemoaning the fact that Star cars of brum are a cheaper taxi than his local taxi firms now he has moved, they (the locals) even charge extra after midnight, and he wants, nay demands, cheaper taxis back from the pub (which should be shut before midnight anyway)

so ive replied....

Its hard to spot...but there is two thiers that ought not to be there, whilst there is not two theirs where two theirs ought to be...make sense now??

Very good answer but you spelt their wrong twice.

A chap has taken the time to write into our local paper bemoaning the fact that Star cars of brum are a cheaper taxi than his local taxi firms now he has moved, they (the locals) even charge extra after midnight, and he wants, nay demands, cheaper taxis back from the pub (which should be shut before midnight anyway)

so ive replied....

I missed the first one. But if you were to do the corrections then the theirs would be there and that would mean that they're correct.

Just been on the Tamworth website and left this comment.

Comments (1)
Quote; "And police and the council wonder why drink-drive campaigns do not work"

What kind of a MORON would drive under the influence rather than pay a decent rate to a TAXI Driver.

And what kind of a MORON would work for the same rate after midnight.

Private Hire cars are notoriously cheap, the rates are set so that the drivers work for well below minimum wage and claim back the difference in WORKING TAX CREDITS, so WE ALL are paying for Frustrated Fazeley residents journeys, when he uses a PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE, but NOT when he is using a TAXI. Which is fairer, what do you think?
John Turley, Wyre Forest
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commented on May 7, 2011 5:17 PM