Taxi Driver Online

MP Backs Cabbies' Call For Curb On Permits

Friday, October 09, 2009

Teignbridge MP Richard Younger-Ross is backing cabbies' calls for a temporary cap on the number of new Hackney permits being issued so a shortage of rank space can be sorted out.

The Liberal Democrat MP and taxi drivers want Teignbridge Council to limit the number of permits issued for 12 months to deal with overcrowded ranks.

Taxi firms say the rank shortage stems from the deregulation of Hackney carriage licences.

Mr Younger-Ross's plea will be considered by the regulatory and appeals committee next Thursday.

He said: "I have asked if the council would consider suspending the issuing of Hackney plates for 12 months so discussions can take place with Devon County Council about how to deal with the space problem."

There are 58 rank spaces in Teignbridge and 186 Hackney plates — a ratio of one rank per 3.2 carriages.

Ranks are already situated in Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish and Ashburton.

The council has also paid for new ranks in Queen Street and East Street, Newton Abbot.

And the authority is in the process of trying to introduce 10 more in Teignmouth and Dawlish.

Chairman of the Teignbridge Taxi and Private Hire Association Aubrey Pitts said: "If taxi drivers can't find a space on a rank they either can't work or have to drive around until a space becomes available.

"Some drivers have had to starting claiming benefits because there isn't the work."

According to a report due to be considered by the committee, it would be unlawful for the council to suspend issuing plates and it is only legally entitled to limit the number being issued if there is 'no significant unmet demand'.

It is recommended the committee look at requesting a survey to ascertain levels of demand before deciding whether to introduce a quantity restriction, or to continue operating as usual.

In either case the authority will ask the county council for help to find further rank space.

Before March 2008 there were 82 licensed Hackney carriages and 141 private hire vehicles.

By last month there were 186 Hackney permits and 79 private hire vehicles.

Source; thisissouthdevon.co.uk

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Brummie Cabbie.

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