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No limit to number of cab licences
MORE taxis could be seen across Times Territory as a restriction limiting numbers is set to be lifted. Currently a cap limits the number of drivers holding taxi licences in Welwyn Hatfield to 231.
But there are spare licences available, according to Welwyn Hatfield Council's Hackney Carriage officer. James Vaughan told councillors at last Tuesday's environment committee meetings that only 218 were in use and just three applicants had passed the knowledge test in the last 10 months.
He said: "Trade has reached its saturation point within the district. We have spare licences." Asked if applications would rise if the cap was lifted Mr Vaughan said: "I think that's very unlikely because we have spare licences. I don't expect a massive influx."
A review of taxi numbers must be carried out every three years and central government recommended the limit be withdrawn. If the cap is not lifted a survey of unmet demand costing £20,000 would have to be carried out. Committee members backed the plans to allow unlimited taxis. Their recommendation will now be sent to cabinet for approval.
The WHT took to the streets to ask what you think about council plans not to limit the number of taxis permitted in Times Territory. Dave Bayford, 37, of Harwood Hill, WGC, said: "If they do that then they are just going to kill it." Mr Bayford, a taxi driver, is concerned about the knock-on-effect to his livelihood. He said: "We don't earn enough as it is and the council are earning enough money from us."
Fellow taxi driver, Javaid Akhtar, 47, echoed these concerns and said: "People are fed up. I will have to go on the dole if there is no work. "It is costing me money sitting here."
On the flip side, Jade Richmond, 18, of Uplands, WGC, is backing the proposal. She said: "I think it is a good idea because if you ring up and book a taxi, it doesn't turn up for 20 minutes. "It is also not good for girls to get stuck in places when they are out."
Kylie Thorpe, 17, of Meadway, WGC, is also concerned about the safety aspect of cabs. She said: "Although there will be less parking spaces, it is fair enough as long as they are licensed." Martin Penney, 20, is a sales assistant at Halfords and has the taxi rank virtually on the shop doorstep. He said: "How can they fit any more? It will be absolutely choc-a-bloc here. "As it is there is no room. Sometimes you get a queue right up the road.
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