|
First black cab hits Worksop's streets
FOR LANGOLD man Leigh Trott, forming his own taxi company was the perfect way to make a living – but a spanner was thrown in the works by Bassetlaw Council. Mr Trott is the first new Worksop cabby to be directly affected by Disability Discrimination Act laws which gives rules for what Hackney cab drivers can and cannot drive.
Since January, Bassetlaw Council's use of the act has meant that would-be cabbies are only allowed to buy two types of vehicle – the London TXII and the Metrocab.
Mr Trott opted for the £30,000 London TXII to help him get his business off the ground. "I didn't mind paying the extra cost because this is what I want to do," said the 27-year-old from Langold. "But I was worried about how I am going to pay it back."
And rather than benefitting from increased business thanks to his new look cab, Mr Trott is worried the vehicle is putting off the punters. "People think that travelling in a black taxi is going to cost more because it seems more posh, but that simply isn't the case," he said. "I'm on the same Bassetlaw regulated meter as everyone else."
And while his car may offer wheelchair access, the TXII can be too high off the road for many less mobile customers to enter. "It should be a mixture of lower, normal taxis and the disabled access black cabs on the roads," said Mr Trott.
The cabby is backed up by John Woodcock, chairman of Bassetlaw Taxi Operators Association, who doesn't understand why choice should be limited to just two cars. "In places like Doncaster and Mansfield drivers can get other purpose built cars like Citroens, Fiats, Volkswagens and Mercedes, which are lower and more accessible to the elderly," he said. "As a result, they come in and out of Worksop from other towns and take the business."
The council says it has not ruled out other makes and models and would consider them if car dealers present them for inspection. But Mr Woodcock is critical of the criteria used to decide what taxis can be approved. "They've said they won't pass the Peugeot E7 and many other purpose built cars because they have sliding doors," he said.
"But they've licensed vehicles with sliding doors for up to a year before. The council says it is following London licensing specifications, but I have noticed a far greater variety of taxi types in the capital."
Bassetlaw District Council's licensing officer Glyn Robinson said the two cars were chosen because they are specially designed to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. "The TXII and the Metrocab are specified by the council because they are purpose built, specifically designed for taxi work, easily recognisable for public safety and cater for the needs of those with mobility disabilities," said Mr Robinson.
"There are similar vehicles on the market some of which have sliding doors, but the council has not received an official application to license any vehicles other than the TXII or Metrocab."
_________________
IDFIMH
|
Login
Register
FAQ
