Taxi Driver Online

Council to meet with taxi drivers over deregulation row


KEY figures in the row over taxi deregulation in Richmondshire say they are prepared to meet face to face in an attempt to resolve on-going issues over the matter.

The decision by Richmondshire District Council’s licensing committee to remove the cap on the number of licensing plates it issues sparked protests from taxi drivers last month, who say the move will destroy their livelihoods.

Representatives for the drivers have threatened legal action over the decision, which they say has been made without proper consultation, and met with Richmond MP William Hague last week to try and win his support for their cause.

The leader of Richmondshire District Council Councillor John Blackie indicated that he and members of the council’s licensing department are prepared to meet with drivers’ representatives in an attempt to resolve some of the key issues surrounding deregulation, although he confirmed that the decision will not be overturned.

George Pearson, chairman of the Richmondshire Independent Drivers Association (Rida), said he was pleased to hear of Coun Blackie’s offer and looked forward to the meeting.

The move comes as the licensing committee prepares to look at whether public consultation is necessary to create new taxi ranks in Hawes and Leyburn as the council tries to attract hackney cabs to more remote parts of the district.

Coun Blackie said: “The council’s position has always been that there has been proper, full consultation on the matter of deregulation. The decision has been made and we will not go back on it.

“However, there are clearly issues with the taxi trade accepting that that decision has been made. The issue of deregulation is not up for a re-decision but quite clearly there are some issues that follow from deregulation that we must try to solve.”

Mr Pearson said: “It’s brilliant news to hear that the council are prepared to talk to us. We shall wait and see what comes of it and what is going to happen. It’s very interesting I must say, but I’m looking forward to it.”

The licensing committee will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, at Frenchgate, in Richmond.

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/bedale/9367860.Council_to_meet_with_taxi_drivers_over_deregulation_row/

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

Consultation at it's best.

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IDFIMH

Every council does that consultation only starts once the plans have been agreed and put through as a rubber stamp excercise so they can claim consultation took place and meet the best practice criteria

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector