Hull PH drivers: 'During the week we make peanuts, at weekends we get abuse and violence'PRIVATE hire drivers have reacted angrily to claims made by cab firms that there are not enough of them to cope with demand.
And they say abuse and violence from customers is one reason fewer are taking to the roads at night and at weekends when the city's taxi availability drops significantly.
In an attempt to gauge whether or not there is a problem, the Mail contacted several firms just after midnight on Sunday to order a cab.
Our reporter was told the shortest expected wait was around an hour, with the longest three hours.
In response to our findings, Magnus Murray, a member of the Hull Private Hire Association (HPHA) and owner of 706 Cars in Marfleet Lane, east Hull, claimed there are not enough drivers in the city.
He said Hull City Council's "restrictive" policy on ensuring all drivers have a Btec qualification before issuing a licence is a key reason for the perceived shortage.
However, some drivers insist there is only a shortage on a Saturday night and many are struggling to earn a living at other times.
He also said drivers were subjected to abuse and violence, putting them off working nights.
Mark Barron, who was been working as a private hire driver in Hull for 15 years, stopped working nights six months ago due to abuse.
He said: "I was sick of some of the people I was picking up, such as drug addicts, dealers and prostitutes.
"The private hire operators need more drivers so they can earn more money.
"The more drivers they have, the more money they make, as most charge over £100 per week to give drivers jobs."
Mr Barron insisted the only time cab companies are stretched is on a Saturday night. He said: "The rest of the week drivers are struggling for jobs and cannot make a living."
Mr Murray, whose concerns appear to be shared by other cab office owners, said he knows of one driver who had to wait ten months to pass his Btec and gain his licence.
"I have done this Btec and it really is not difficult," said Mr Barron. "Operators lowering their running-in fees and not relying on licensing to lower its standards would encourage more into the industry.
"A professional driver needs to know the area they are working in and not just rely on sat-navs, as was proven when the council and the Mail received complaints about drivers not knowing where they are going and having to programme the drivers' sat-nav themselves."
Another driver, who asked not to be named, said: "We're earning peanuts during the week.
"It's because of the violence and abuse that a lot of us won't work nights. That's why you've a shortage on a Saturday.
"Office owners charge anything up to £150 a week for a running-in fee – that's how you get your jobs. That's why they want more drivers."
In response, Mr Murray said: "A vocal minority of drivers are self-centered. Some are making £1,000 a week. There is a lack of drivers and I am concerned from a public protection standpoint."
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