Christchurch Taxis Can Carry Adverts
Friday 9th October 2009
Christchurch councillors have given the go-ahead to proposals that could help struggling taxi companies to boost their future revenue.
After receiving a request from local company Chritax to allow the borough’s Hackney carriages to display advertising inside and outside the cabs, the council consulted with proprietors, issuing a questionnaire to all 88.
Out of the 44 returned, 31 supported the proposal with 13 proprietors not wanting any advertising to be allowed on vehicles.
Chris Wilcox, part owner of Chritax in Christchurch, said: “We’re really pleased with the decision. It’s good news.
The scheme will help a lot of taxi firms by allowing people to advertise, which will potentially produce more income for them.
“While we are doing quite well, a lot of smaller operators and independents are struggling.
“It’s taken a long time to get here but the council made the right decision and we must thank them. This could give a boost to local business.”
Councillors on the licensing committee approved the scheme but amended two conditions to allow telephone numbers to be included in the adverts and scrapped a condition that allowed only Christchurch-based businesses or national companies operating in the town to advertise.
A letter to the committee from the Christchurch Chamber of Trade supported the proposal but was concerned some aspects of the conditions were becoming too prescriptive.
Terry Atkinson, general secretary, wrote: “We can see no reason to prohibit advertising content that is already permitted on buses and street banners/hoardings.
“We would therefore encourage a ‘light touch’ approach, given the proviso that each proposal for advertising should be considered on its merits by the licensing committee.”
Source; bournemouthecho.co.uk
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