Taxi Driver Online

Furious cabbie could refuse to serve councillors

March 8 2011

A furious cabbie may refuse business from councillors after news of a licence fee hike broke last week.

Jason Rider has been a Hackney Carriage driver in the borough of Spelthorne for 23 years.

He claims to have given an immaculate service to councillors who have now agreed to put up the taxi licence fee at a time of considerable financial straights for drivers.

Mr Rider, who lives in Viola Avenue, Staines, claims he could cull councillor business as he grapples with soaring diesel prices.

He said: “The council seem to be making up the rules as they go along, why don't they have a forum for taxi drivers?"

“Why should I give them my personal service, I've looked after so many of the councillors over the years. When I've taken them to balls I've picked them up especially and looked after them."

“I am considering not doing it any more, these councillors are elected respected members of the community but it is clearly the officers who are making the decisions."

“We have elected the councillors but the power is with the bureaucrats. I feel that the councillors have let me down because they haven't stood up to these people.”

Mr Rider, 46, has become disillusioned with the council who have put up licence fees without reviewing Hackney Carriage tariffs.

This means he is unable to pass the extra charges onto customers and has to let the hike cut into profits.

The council released a letter to all private hire and Hackney Carriage drivers on Thursday last week outlining details of the new fees.

It said: “Following a review of current taxi and private hire licence fees by officers of the Council, Councillors have agreed to increase them."

“If you wish to make representations or objections to these proposed licence fees for 2011/2012, then they must be made in writing or by e-mail to us by 30 March 2011."

“The last review of your taxi tariff rates took place in July 2010 and the new rates were introduced in August 2010. Bearing in mind the continual increase in fuel prices and the need to increase our licence fees, we will again review the taxi tariff rates later this year.”

Source; http://www.stainesnews.co.uk/staines-an ... -28300147/

_________________
Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.

Spelthorne Taxis seem to have a great deal of problems leaving Central London after dropping off.
Especially those that drive LTI vehicles, they seem to spend a fair bit of their time driving about seeing the sights.

Maybe they are just lost.

_________________
Grandad,

With £25.00 on the meter.

_________________
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Believe me, don't get Mercury X2