Whether you call it 'deregulation of restriction' or whether you call it 'de-restriction' it's effects are the same.

There was very little by way of driver standards discussed by the LC so it's not likely that much will come from that idea. If driver standards were high then you wouldn't have to worry about restricting vehicle licences.

I think you will find that the LC remit was to deregulate the conditions for both drivers and vehicles, that includes any restriction of numbers.

The LC are/were proposing a basic standard, based on safety, for both taxi and PH, with the proviso that councils could increase those standards for the taxi trade. In effect that's, in my opinion, what the 1976 act stated.

I disagree with your point about high standards, in relation to the need for restrictions. I take the view that with high standards you wouldn't need restrictions.

Mr Sussex you sure do seem to be in the know !! Have you been feeding the LC with your biased?

Apparently the LC will be rolling in to town for a meeting with the council and the taxi association.

I wonder what will be on the agenda?

It's no rumour, according to the association news letter they're coming to town. It's in black and white, however the association could be making it up, but I doubt that very much....

I wonder what the association would answer to the question how come you can afford virtually the most expensive 'plates' in the UK but cant afford a camera security system? And it pains me to point the obvious out.

Everyone's waiting for the Southampton ruling, and don't forget that the last association secretary had to resign over this very issue. CCTV should be optional. As for plate prices, I think they may be heading north rather than south..,