Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers to strike over proposed licence change


Taxi drivers look set to strike over council plans to change a licensing policy.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is considering de-restricting the number of hackney carriage licenses it hands out and issuing five new licenses per month as of May 1.

But drivers who already hold that type of license fear they will face more competition for customers and say they are short on space for parking as it is.

They are expected to demonstrate in Maidenhead on Tuesday by meeting at Braywick Park and driving in convoy through the town.

There are 96 hackney carriages - taxis which can be hailed - across the borough compared to more than 900 private hire vehicles, which must be pre-booked.

While a survey conducted last year shows they are providing a 'good or very good' service with no significant unmet demand, it suggests an increase in licenses could be an improvement.

An increase in the taxi licensing fee has also been recommended.

Results of a further consultation will be reported to the borough's licensing panel at a later date and any resolutions are expected to go before the council in April before they can be implemented.

source: http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/ ... 032012.htm

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/minsys3.nsf/AMBy ... enDocument


1. This report deals with the results of an independent Hackney Carriage survey commissioned by Members of the Licensing Panel on the 24th October 2011, following receipt of a petition by 171 Private Hire Drivers asking the Council to de-restrict the number of Hackney Carriage Licenses available within the Royal Borough. Members will also receive a presentation of the results by the survey company.

2. The report recommends that Members authorise Officers to consult with both the Hackney Carriage and the Private Hire trade within RBWM on a number of proposals stemming from the conclusions of the survey – and for the results of the consultation to be reported back to members at a future special Licensing Panel.

3. These recommendations are being made in response to the full independent survey.

4. If adopted, the key financial implications for the Council are . . .N/A


I must say, the report is rather biased.

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

A biased SUD survey?

Surely not.

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IDFIMH

I meant the report of the council officers to councillors.

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Rightly or wrongly, the LOs will tell councillors what they want to hear.

It's called protecting the pension.

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IDFIMH

An increase in the taxi licensing fee has also been recommended.

along with an extra 5 licenses a month I should think that that equates to an additional £1000 a month income for the council. As always never mind the livelihood of the cabbies think of the extra money in the council coffers !

That said 96 hackneys to 900 PH is quite a high ratio so perhaps there is a little more scope for some Hacks

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector