Taxi Driver Online

Gateshead taxi rank could get a marshall in a bid to improve safety in Low Fell


Council chiefs have confirmed they are looking at introducing taxi marshalls in Gateshead but said local taxi drivers will not have to foot the bill

Taxi drivers have asked for a marshall at a Gateshead rank after unruly behaviour among punters in the early hours.

Drivers in the borough want a raft of improvements to the taxi rank at Low Fell, including a taxi marshall.

The group were left worried they may face increased license fees to fund the measures but council chiefs have reassured drivers that no increase in fees is on the cards.

Brian Watson, who represents Hackney carriage licence holders said: “We asked for a taxi marshall at Low Fell. It gets busy at about midnight and we’ve been asking for years.

“I was assaulted there and people are at risk.

“We had a meeting with the council and we were told if you wanted it, it could have to come out of our licence.

“We’re trying to improve security of the rank and trying to improve conditions for drivers but we’re being penalised.”

The group represents the interests of more than 100 taxi drivers and members.

Mr Watson, who has been a licensed driver for more than eight years, said he was last month attacked as he attempted to stop a fight involving one of his customers which left him unable to work due to his injuries.

The 51-year-old of Swalwell said he feels if there had been a taxi marshall working, the incident may not have happened.

He added: “We’re already struggling as a trade. It’s a common sense measure and we’re actually led to believe that there are funds available for this.”

Paul Dowling, Gateshead Council strategic director of communities and environment, said: “We understand the concerns of the taxi drivers, even though incidents are comparatively rare.

“We are currently working with police to fully understand the issues and consider how taxi marshals might be introduced at appropriate ranks across Gateshead.

“This was recently discussed with drivers at one of our regular meetings with the taxi trade. We are investigating how marshals could be funded, but at present direct contribution from taxi drivers is not something that has been discussed.”

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nor ... ll-8036252

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

Cardiff case they can't foot the bill anyway.

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IDFIMH

Yes very much so...Also it demonstrates as to how we are deflected as to how we think - WHERE ARE THE POLICE ?

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Common sense........is just not that Common.

Ermm won't licence fees cover this?

no charging power in license fees

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

Nope, now illegal.

Of course the council can fund it out of the massive pot of cash they receive from parking tickets.

But that all goes on buses and bikes.

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IDFIMH