Taxi Driver Online

Cabs are on for Christmas

CAB strikes that could have left Christmas and New Year revellers stranded have been called off.

Calderdale private-hire drivers had warned they might refuse to work over the festive period if they could not reach agreement with Calderdale Council over rules they say are crippling their trade.

They were also considering a protest outside the town hall and a lorry-style go-slow round Halifax.

But Calderdale Private Hire Association says it will not carry out the strikes and has instead asked its national organisation to review the council's legislation.

Arshad Mahmood, treasurer of Calderdale Private Hire Association, said: "We don't think the public should suffer over the festive period.

"All our members have now joined the National Private Hire Association." He said they would now follow the national association's advice.

The drivers claim council red tape over drivers' age requirements, the frequency of testing, MoT testing and tinted windows were damaging trade.

Following their complaints, the council's licensing panel has agreed to speed up the licence-renewal process and introduce dual-driver licences for private-hire drivers and Hackney cab drivers so people who want to do both can save money.

Some concessions have also been made over tinted windows.

But drivers say these steps do not go far enough.

Drivers have already carried out two weekends of strike action over council regulations in Halifax town centre earlier this year.

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

How do tinted windows damage trade?

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Former taxi driver

Cant see how any of the proposals would.

CC

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