latest newspaper article:
had to look twice when i saw the words 'taxi' and 'survey' in the headline but not what you and i would be thinking:
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133188&command=displayContent&sourceNode=133171&contentPK=11156134&moduleName=InternalSearch
SURVEY ON TAXIS
STUART ABEL
12:00 - 21 October 2004
Taxi customers in Plymouth are being questioned to find out if they can get a cab when they need one. It is the latest move in a long debate between operators, the politicians and the public about the numbers of vehicles on the road.
The city council licenses taxis but, like nearly half of all councils, restricts the number of hackney carriage licences. Plymouth's limit is 359.
Councils are able to restrict the number of licences if they are satisfied there is no significant unmet demand, but now the Office of Fair Trading is urging the authorities to reconsider the policy.
It says the restrictions 'reduce the availability of taxis, increase waiting times, reduce choice and safety for consumers and restrict those wanting to set up a taxi business."
But Plymouth Sutton's Labour MP Linda Gilroy says she fears a 'free-for-all' with hackney carriages if more are allowed.
Some operators say there are already too many black cabs and minicabs in Plymouth, while others say they are turning away business.
Gary Streeter, Conservative MP for South-West Devon, urged people to take part in the consultation, calling it 'an opportunity for a new season for the trade.'
Questions on the council's form, available online and on paper, include how often people use taxis, on which days and at what times - and how often they can't find one.
Cllr Sue Dann, cabinet member for transport, said: "We want to hear from everyone who regularly or occasionally uses taxis and will be sending out a survey to the trade to hear what it has to say as well."
It is also consulting bodies such as the police, the Community Safety Partnership and disability groups.
The public can fill in a survey online at
www.plymouth.gov.uk in the licensing section under Popular Pages, by calling in to the licensing section of First Stop at the Civic Centre or by ringing 307980. The deadline is October 29.