Trolley bad show, say cabbies.
A WELSH branch of Asda have put the brakes on business for angry cabbies.
Asda has installed the brand new "cartronic" trolleys which use an infra-red system to stop them being taken off the Llanelli supermarket's premises.
If they are pushed over a line bordering the car park, the brakes are automatically activated in a bid to stop trolleys being dumped around town.
But taxi drivers hoping to pick up charges from a nearby taxi rank, say they have lost up to 50% of trade.
"It is an utter nightmare for people who need taxis, especially the elderly," said Gaynor Saunders of G&M Taxis.
"They have to leave their shopping unattended in the car park and walk out to find a cab.
"There is a taxi bay in the car park but it is just too small. It is easier to pick up customers at a nearby roundabout or rank.
"In the past we did that and wheeled the trolleys back - it is easier than trying to get inside the Asda car park."
Husband Graham added, "This new scheme is stupid - I understand trolleys cost money but most people are honest and take them back."
But Felinfoel Cars, which holds the contract for picking up from Asda via an instore freephone, says the problem has been exaggerated.
"Asda has gone out of its way to provide a place for taxis to park," said a spokesman.
"They have lost a lot of trolleys in the past because people never take them back."
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