Taxi Driver Online

Transport history

From: DS Boyes, Rodley Lane, Bramley, Leeds.

I SYMPATHISE with Bradford's taxi drivers ("Taxi drivers stop work in licences row" Yorkshire Post, August 21), but the problems faced from the potential loss of their "closed shop" are nothing new.

Road transport was licensed from 1934, and as a result the 'A' Licences covering lorries were traded in the same way as hackney carriage plates are today in Bradford and elsewhere, with any application opposed by an army of lawyers retained by existing hauliers or trade associations.

However, in 1979 legislation ended this, making the new 'Q' Licences freely available.

The floodgates opened, although supply versus demand eventually created a balance.

The hackney carriage system predates motor cars, with permits issued only by local authorities which set the quotas and also regulate fares.

The consequence has been to create a false market with exorbitant prices being asked and got when taxis were sold on.

Whether the recent court ruling against Bradford Council will put taxi proprietors in the same position as hauliers in 1979, is unknown, but self-employed drivers do themselves no favours by striking, and the authorities cannot allow the Queen's highways to be obstructed as they have been.
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Exactly, if your in the trade to work you will earn. If your in the trade to earn off others, then you wont.

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IDFIMH