Taxi Driver Online

Cabs limit cues rush



Taxi drivers are gaining support from councillors in their mission to have the number of licensed cabs capped in the area.

Bracknell Licensed Taxi Forum (BLFT) wants Bracknell Forest Council to limit the amount of Hackney carriages because they say there is not enough business .

Before the council can impose a limit, it must conduct a survey, which could cost £15,000 to £20,000, and investigate the legal implications.

But there are worries that in the meantime, the number of taxis could boom.

And following an application for 20 licences last year, BLTF is worried the prospect of a limit could prompt a flood of applications from “carpet-baggers” before anything is enforced.

BLTF chairman Andy Watson said: “There are carpet-baggers who are going to come in and apply for plates while they still can, one’s already done that, if they do then we could be in an even worse position.

“I’m slightly disappointed at how long this is all taking but we are working really well with the council now and I do appreciate it is a really tricky issue.”

Council solicitor Simon Bull added: “It’s a legal minefield because if we put a limit on, and we can’t prove we needed to, then it could get challenged at a cost to the council.”

The council’s licensing and safety committee decided to look into the costs of a survey at a meeting on Thursday night and then discuss findings in April.

Councillor Tony Virgo said: “I’ve always understood that we should have a limited policy because if we do then we give our taxi drivers a living that’s sustainable and our residents get a good service.”

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

The futures possibly bright

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Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

Optimistic is probably the best way to look at things. You just don't see enough optimism currently it's a refreshing change

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Quite agree with you

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Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk