Taxi Driver Online

Plymouth people asked what they think about taxis in the city

Friday, March 18, 2011, 10:08

​Plymouth’s taxi takers are being asked what they think about taxis in the city.

Those who use taxis after a night out or getting around during the day are being asked if they think there are enough cabs to go round.

The taxi and private hire trades, users groups including disabled groups, will be asked the question as part of a review by Plymouth City Council to see if limiting the number of vehicle licences is better for the travelling public.

The Council has a Hackney Carriage Quantity Limit Policy, which limits the number of vehicle licences available to 360. A further 20 are available (subject to certain conditions being met)to enable taxi bus services to operate.

This was approved in 2007 and there are currently a total of 367 licensed taxi vehicles currently operating in the city. There is no legal framework to limit the number of private hire vehicle licences.

Councils can restrict the number of licences if they are satisfied there is no significant unmet demand. But the Department of Transport requires councils to review this policy from time to time to make sure that the policy is still relevant and serves the interests of the travelling public.

Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, Councillor Peter Brookshaw said: “We reviewed this a few years ago after the Office of Fair Trading said it was worried restrictions would reduce the availability of taxis, increase waiting times and make it harder for those wanting to set up a taxi business.

“We carried out a survey with the public and the trade then and they were fine with the policy, but we need to revisit this to make sure our policy reflects what people think in 2011.”

A letter will be sent all interested parties telling them about the online survey on our website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/transportandstreets ... rivatehire

People can respond using the online survey form or by emailing Taxi.Licensing@plymouth.gov.uk or in writing to Taxi Licensing, Public Protection Service, Civic Centre, Plymouth, PL1 2AA.

The consultations run for 12 weeks and the closing date for responses is 24 June.

Source; http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Pl ... ticle.html

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Brummie Cabbie.

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