This reminds me of the Elgin advertorial the other day. Not that it's advertorial, exactly, because it's about regulation rather than advertising and marketing.
But like the Elgin piece it seems to be saying the same thing over and over again.
Essentially, he's saying others shouldn't be chasing the money in the towns and urban centres, while he's the one doing just that
And funny the way he mentions all the other towns and urban centres except for Newquay. I wonder why that would be? Hint - it's where he's based...
To be fair, he may have a point, but there's more than a hint of 'do as I say, not as I do' about it all
Fears raised taxi drivers and passengers could be taken for a ridehttps://www.voicenewspapers.co.uk/news/ ... ide-788711They are concerned the plans could dismantle rural taxi services by raising faresFEARS have been raised taxi drivers and passengers could be “taken for a ride” if Cornwall Council plans are given the green light.
Cornwall Council proposes to unify taxi fares across the county, but drivers are worried the plans are a backdoor route to scrapping local zones, raising prices, and “gutting” rural taxi services.
Taxi drivers are “deeply alarmed” the scheme could dismantle rural taxi services by raising fares and push drivers out of the areas that need them most.
Steven Witchell from Newquay Taxi Forum said: “On the surface, it may seem like a simple administrative change but in reality, it paves the way for removing the local zones entirely. This subtle shift could lead to a collapse in rural taxi access and service reliability.
“Let’s be honest — taxis go where the money is.” “If Cornwall scraps the zones, you’ll see drivers leaving the more rural areas and crowding into Truro, Falmouth, and Bodmin. Rural Cornwall will be left behind — again.”
“Cornwall’s six taxi zones reflect the county’s economic diversity. Urban centres like Truro, Falmouth, and Bodmin have higher population density and more fare opportunities, while rural and coastal areas operate on slimmer margins, with seasonal demand and higher costs.
“If fares are harmonised and inevitably aligned with the most expensive zones like Caradon, North Cornwall, and Truro quieter areas like Penwith, Kerrier, and Restormel will face higher prices. This could make local travel unaffordable for residents, while encouraging drivers to abandon rural zones for the more profitable urban centres.
“This is about more than fares. It’s about survival.
“If fares are the same everywhere, and zones are scrapped, we’ll have no choice but to chase the money. That won’t be the less profitable rural areas. It’ll be Truro, Falmouth and Bodmin.
“The council will cite national guidance but while the Department for Transport’s best practice guidance does recommend de-zoning, it also recognises that ‘zoning may reflect local conditions or historical arrangements and may continue to be appropriate in some circumstances.’
“Cornwall, with its fragmented geography, limited rural transport, and a deeply seasonal economy, clearly fits these circumstances.
“Zoning isn’t an outdated relic. It’s essential for ensuring that all areas of Cornwall, urban and rural alike, have access to fair taxi services.”
Critics argue the plans are not about improving passenger service but about cutting costs for Cornwall Council.
Mr Witchell said: “By unifying fares, the council is effectively laying the groundwork for de-zoning without any formal debate or consultation.
“A single fare tariff system might seem easier for administrative purposes, but the real price will be paid by rural passengers who depend on affordable, local taxi services and small local operators who can’t compete with the big centres.
“It’s not simplification. It’s centralisation.
“The real losers will be the elderly, the disabled, and families in places no one will want to serve anymore.
“The current zoned system isn’t broken. It has evolved organically to reflect the needs of communities across Cornwall from town centres to isolated villages. It ensures fair pricing, viable business, and reliable service where it’s needed most.
“Drivers aren’t asking for special treatment. They’re asking for a system that works to be left alone.
“The zones exist for a reason. They allow rural passengers to still get a cab in the middle of winter, and they let local drivers stay local without being forced to abandon their own communities to chase profit in city centres.
“And yet, Cornwall Council seems determined to dismantle that system, not because it’s failing, but simply to save a few pounds on paperwork.
“Is it really worth dismantling a well-functioning public service just to make the paperwork easier?
“Once again, the consumer will lose, and prices will only rise.
“Cornwall’s rural communities deserve better. Candidates must commit to protecting local taxi services before it's too late.”
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