Blackburn taxi drivers face 'all time low' over licence fees increaseTAXI drivers facing an ‘all time low’ in trade have hit out at plans to increase licence fees.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has unveiled plans to increase licence fees an average of 2.9 per cent.
The proposals will see the cost of a 12-month licence for private hire vehicles rise from £185.80 to £191.19, and from £223.85 to £230.34 for Hackney Carriage vehicles.
Highlighting a rise in costs such as fuel and maintenance, cabbies have objected to the planned increase and are urging council chiefs to reconsider the proposed changes.
Charlie Oakes, chairman of The Hackney Drivers Association Ltd, said the taxi trade in Blackburn with Darwen was worse than ever before.
He said: “In today’s climate we are all having to look at where we can save money. The downward trend in work across the UK in the taxi trade and the lack of foresight in some parts of the trade over the years have left Blackburn Hackney trade at rock bottom, with work at an all time low.
“The changing face of Blackburn may well bring in welcome new business and shoppers and visitors to the town centre.
“But the taxi trade faces an unknown change itself with changes in the law.
"The trade is facing a big increase in fuel - around £1.40 per litre - and a big increase in the cost of insurance this year.
“The council has always maintained it wishes to help the trade as far as possible. Well this is one way it can help everyone in the trade and not just a few.”
The proposed increase in fees will be discussed by Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Licensing Committee at 6pm today.
If the plans are approved, the changes will come into force in April.
Source:
Blackburn Citizen
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