Taxi Driver Online

Public meeting call over Durham taxi problems


A COUNCIL is failing to tackle horrendous taxi problems created by its deregulation of the trade, cabbies have claimed.

Since Durham County Council allowed unlimited numbers of taxis to operate in Durham city centre from September 1, up to 400 cabs have been plying for trade, causing huge queues - particularly up Claypath and Gilesgate.

In a statement, the council said it was working hard with the police to address residents’ concerns over noise, pollution and breaches of traffic laws.

Joanne Waller, the council’s head of environment, health and consumer protection, said deregulation had solved some previous problems: of people having to wait for long periods for a taxi and anti-social behaviour.

Admitting there was more still to do, Ms Waller promised to introduce mobile CCTV, continue an education campaign and threatened more ‘enforcement action’.

Paul Anderson, neighbourhood inspector for Durham City, said he had put more officers on the street as the changes were ‘bedding in’ and provided feedback to the council.

However, taxi drivers’ leaders remain unimpressed.

Steve Pratt, of Pratts Taxis, said: "The council say they’re taking on board what we say and what the residents say but they’re not listening.

"We’re going to meetings and being told what they’ve decided."

Adrian Fets, of STL Cabs, said: "The residents are complaining and I would complain as well if this was happening outside my house. There are too many taxis and not enough people."

The pair, who lead Durham Independent Taxi Association, called for cabbies, residents, council officials and the police to debate the issues together at a public meeting.

Mr Pratt rejected Ms Waller’s claim passengers previously had to wait a long time for a taxi, saying they only waited to buy and eat takeaways. Mr Fets said if there had been a drop in anti-social behaviour it was only because fewer people were going out in Durham late at night.

Both warned of greater problems during this week’s Lumiere festival, when North Road’s taxi rank will be closed from 6pm, predicting even longer queues up Gilesgate.

Further talks between cabbies and the council are planned for January.

source: http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/durham/9363889.Public_meeting_call_over_Durham_taxi_problems/

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Why doesn't Mr Fetts come out and say, "I wanted it all to myself?" It's obvious that's what he and the other guy wanted. Now the others have been allowed to ply their trade within thier licensed area they've thrown the dummy out of the pram.

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Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

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