Taxi Driver Online

What in the name of God is this article all about?

Clunky, imprecise language from the headline onwards, so if you're interested in precision and number crunching, it's difficult to know what's going on, exactly.

Article also seems to repeat itself too much, and is also one of those that comes to a grinding halt, as if there should be more at the end that's missing. There's also a photo of the councillor on the webpage with a caption that seems to be related to a different article entirely


Taxi licences up in bid to meet driver shortage demand in North East Lincolnshire

https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news ... et-6089715

Taxi operators warned of a bleak Christmas with long delays due to driver shortage and now are applying for taxi licences

Extra licensing officers have been drafted in to try to meet the demand for more taxi drivers in North East Lincolnshire.

The number of applications for permission to drive taxis has gone up, according to the latest figures.

North East Lincolnshire Council has received 11 new applications over the past three months and new vehicle licences.

The move follows the long delays and frustrations of customers unable to find a taxi amid a driver shortage.

The pandemic dramatically reduced the number of taxi drivers as many sought other trades over the past 18 months when work dried up.

The shortage of taxi drivers in North East Lincolnshire led to people walking long distances following a night out.

North East Lincolnshire Council portfolio holder for safer communities, Councillor Ron Shepherd said there had been an increase in applications for licences for drivers.

In the last three months North East Lincolnshire Council has assessed 69 driver licences, 177 vehicles and 11 new applications for driver’s licences.

"We have taken on extra officers and moved the department to new premises so that licensing in centralised at Doughty Road. We have new officers processing applications," he said.

He added: "Since the pandemic people are returning to taking a taxi. They feel more confident about using a taxi now than during the pandemic. So we are seeing an increase in demand and more drivers are returning for the Christmas period.

"It is encouraging to see them returning to their trade and there is a demand for more vehicle licences."

Many drivers left the profession for fear of contracting coronavirus and when there was no demand for drivers.

The reduction led to customers facing long delays trying to get a lift home leading to frustrations and sometimes abuse of staff in taxi offices.

Taxi firm receptionist, Cerys Edwards told Grimsby Live it was like watching "a zombie apocalypse" and said people continuously vandalise their cabs and assault their drivers.

Dave Atkin, owner of Coxons and manager of Grimsby Taxi Cabs, who has 25 years experience in the industry said: "Through the pandemic there was no encouragement or facility for people to train and become taxi drivers and many drivers thought the trade was not for them because of the lack of encouragement.

"So we have had a perfect storm to create the shortage."

Dave said it can also be difficult to set up as a taxi driver, to get the relevant qualifications and if you are a new driver, your insurance is going to be at least £3,500 a year.

Me neither

Think the journalist and/or the councillor has been on the pi**.

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IDFIMH