captain cab wrote:
Job fear as Blackburn taxi drivers to be hit by new costs
ANGRY Blackburn taxi drivers representatives will meet council bosses twice in the next few weeks to oppose plans to raise the costs of a Hackney licence and bring in a new penalty points system for mechanical vehicle safety.
The fear the combination of the two could put some of the 60 cab drivers out of business.
Blackburn Taxi Association chairman Mohammed Younis will lead a delegation to meet borough environment boss Jim Smith over the points system today.
On September 17, he and his team will be back in town hall to oppose plans to raise the annual licence fee for a taxi driver’s ‘badge’ from £64 to £84.
Following new government legislation, Blackburn with Darwen Brough Council will move to three-year licences costing £192 .
Mr Younis said many could only afford to pay yearly while similar towns charged less.
Preston charges £110 for a new three-year licence and £75 to renew an existing one.
Cab drivers who totalled 20 points in 12 months for offences such as not wearing his badge, or displaying door signs, could be banned from taking fares.
Mr Younis said: “Drivers are very concerned and very angry.
“The new three-year charge seems OK, but many drivers can only afford to pay it annually. They will have to pay £20 a year surcharge they cannot afford.
“Neighbouring towns like Preston are cheaper.
“The whole fees system is complex and confusing with hidden increases in charges.
“Taken with the new points penalty system, it is too much from many drives.
“I will be meeting to make the case for a reconsideration.
“After those meetings, we will hold a meeting to decide what to do next.”
Council taxi boss Jim Smith, said: “This new points scheme does not penalise the drivers financially, it is just a more formal way of making sure the taxis in the borough are in the best condition for customers.
“The council has a duty to make sure their drivers are fit and proper to hold licencess.”
source: http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/ne ... new_costs/
ANGRY Blackburn taxi drivers representatives will meet council bosses twice in the next few weeks to oppose plans to raise the costs of a Hackney licence and bring in a new penalty points system for mechanical vehicle safety.
The fear the combination of the two could put some of the 60 cab drivers out of business.
Blackburn Taxi Association chairman Mohammed Younis will lead a delegation to meet borough environment boss Jim Smith over the points system today.
On September 17, he and his team will be back in town hall to oppose plans to raise the annual licence fee for a taxi driver’s ‘badge’ from £64 to £84.
Following new government legislation, Blackburn with Darwen Brough Council will move to three-year licences costing £192 .
Mr Younis said many could only afford to pay yearly while similar towns charged less.
Preston charges £110 for a new three-year licence and £75 to renew an existing one.
Cab drivers who totalled 20 points in 12 months for offences such as not wearing his badge, or displaying door signs, could be banned from taking fares.
Mr Younis said: “Drivers are very concerned and very angry.
“The new three-year charge seems OK, but many drivers can only afford to pay it annually. They will have to pay £20 a year surcharge they cannot afford.
“Neighbouring towns like Preston are cheaper.
“The whole fees system is complex and confusing with hidden increases in charges.
“Taken with the new points penalty system, it is too much from many drives.
“I will be meeting to make the case for a reconsideration.
“After those meetings, we will hold a meeting to decide what to do next.”
Council taxi boss Jim Smith, said: “This new points scheme does not penalise the drivers financially, it is just a more formal way of making sure the taxis in the borough are in the best condition for customers.
“The council has a duty to make sure their drivers are fit and proper to hold licencess.”
source: http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/ne ... new_costs/
Cant afford £20 a year the geezers a pratt
Safe vehicles why not Mr Younis ??
