Private Hire Company and Middlesbrough Council reach agreement BORO Cars and Middlesbrough Council have struck a deal to bring their legal battle to an end.
The agreement came just before an appeal over a council decision to impose restrictions on private hire drivers in Wilson Street was due to be heard at Teesside Crown Court.
The council and Boro Cars had been at loggerheads over issues involving taxis in Wilson Street.
And the new deal between the two parties will mean:
Private hire vehicles can drop off and pick up passengers at Linthorpe Mews, Dundas Mews and Dundas Street;
Boro Cars’ private hire vehicles will only collect or drop off customers from the area on Wilson Street to the west of Linthorpe Mews or to the east of Albert Road;
Boro Cars will direct its private hire vehicle drivers to not in any way impede or interfere with the operation of the designated Hackney carriage ranks in Wilson Street, and the firm will also observe all Hackney carriage ranks and other parking restrictions in Wilson Street and ensure that when a private hire vehicle is not travelling to, engaged in or returning from a pre-booked journey it is kept at the operating base or other lawful location.
There is also a commitment by both sides to engage in further talks about the use of Wilson Street by Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.
The matter came to appeal last week after a ruling in favour of the council at Teesside Magistrates’ Court. The authority had tried to control the operation of Hackney ranks in Wilson Street, where Boro Cars has a booking office.
The row came to a head in April when Boro Cars boss Mohammed Bashir released tapes of conversations between himself and Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon.
Mr Mallon subsequently apologised for a sexual slur made against a council officer and recorded on the tapes.
Middlesbrough Council chief executive Ian Parker was pleased the matter had now been resolved.
“We will continue to work with operators across the town to enable them to provide a safe, secure and efficient service,” he added.
Boro Cars company secretary Christine Bell said: “It is a fantastic result for Boro Cars, our drivers and also for our valued customers.
“We are now able to provide a safe and efficient service at all times.
“We are delighted that Middlesbrough Council compromised at crown court and that an agreement was reached.”
Ms Bell said Boro Cars was committed to making the agreement work. “We look forward to restoring our former excellent working relationship with Middlesbrough Council,” she said.
Tony Bing, chairman of Middlesbrough Hackney Carriage Association, said allowing Boro Cars to have a booking office on Wilson Street has caused the problems.
“It was a recipe for disaster,” he added. “I do not think Boro Cars have gained anything from this agreement.”
source:
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/
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