Guildford's taxi drivers take their complaints to the courts Taxi drivers have objected to new changes which will see their cars covered in a turquoise livery
Taxi drivers angered by a change in policy which will see a new livery for their cars have taken their battle to the courts.
Last year, Guildford Borough Council approved a new policy, which as well as introducing a new turquoise colour to identify the fleet of taxis from private hire vehicles, will also include drivers having to complete a new qualification to keep their job.
The council has justified the change by saying it will ensure public safety, and that the new requirements are based on the public’s views.
David Williams-Wynn, who is chairman of the Guildford Hackney Association, has made a complaint through the South West Surrey Magistrates Court in Guildford, with a preliminary hearing to be heard on January 26.
Mark Rostron, taxi driver and secretary of the Guildford Hackney Association, said: “Taxi drivers are objecting to the proposals to have our taxis clad in impractical unattractive turquoise as it’ll be paid for by passengers and result in a poorer quality of vehicle being used.
“Similarly the council’s proposals to have garish colours and large lettering on the doors of private hire vehicles which will lead to even more widespread illegal hiring of them on the street.
“Also the council have proposed inadequate engine sizes and no minimum vehicle sizes which will also diminish passenger comfort and safety.
“A magistrates court hearing is set for January 26.
“Hopefully the council will not further waste public money and see sense.
“In the meantime, drivers are left not knowing what to do about vehicles which need replacing, and the council seem unable to give them any proper guidance.”
Previously Mr Rostron had claimed that the public will have to pay for the changes as taxi fees may increase in order for costs to be met by the drivers.
The borough council has said it would pay 25% of the costs for drivers to get the new turquoise wrap for their car.
Drivers complained, claiming the wrap could cause damage to their vehicles and that they also use them for private use and other work.
The new policy also requires that new and existing drivers complete a BTEC Level 2 Certificate, and removes the requirement of all new taxi vehicles to be wheelchair accessible.
Drivers will be encouraged to provide wheelchair-enabled vehicles through a 50% reduction in their licence fee.
A spokesman for Guildford Borough Council, said: “We have consulted for nearly two years on the policy changes, which showed public support for the concept of having clearly identifiable Guildford taxis.
“We recommended that the driver seek legal advice before making his complaint to the magistrates court.
“We will be writing to the driver advising him is that it is not possible to appeal to the magistrates court against the policy itself, only the decision to apply a policy.
“If a decision to apply the policy by refusing his licence or imposing conditions on it is taken at a later date, then he can appeal that decision as the licensee to the magistrates court at that time.
“In this case the council has adopted the new policy and drivers have two years to ensure their vehicles meet the livery requirements.
“If the driver proceeds with his claim we will be seeking legal costs, to ensure that these are not paid for by council taxpayers.”
source:
http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey- ... s-10688826
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](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
not that these pillocks in Tory Guildford would recognise that