Plan to scrap taxi surcharge in Bracknell put on hold CONTROVERSIAL proposals to scrap a 50% surcharge for extra taxi passengers have been delayed.
Members of the Bracknell Forest Council licensing and safety committee decided last Wednesday to temporarily put the change on hold, asking officers to come back to the committee with possible alternatives before anything is approved.
Speaking after the meeting, committee chairman Cllr Cliff Thompson told the Midweek: "The officers did a presentation and we had a public speaker from the licensing trade before members asked questions.
"It was apparent that there were certain areas where things could be better clarified and that it would be far better if the officers took the paper away and came back with a reconsidered version."
The proposals including getting rid of the 50% extra duty for hackney carriages for transporting five-eight people and replacing it with a fee of 50p per every additional passenger over four.
They were put out to consultation between January and March, receiving 22 responses, only two of which agreed with the idea. Many of the objections came from taxi drivers concerned about covering insurance, road tax, fuel and general wear and tear costs.
One driver said the idea was 'extreme' and added: "In these difficult times I think that many drivers will no longer be able to run these larger vehicles."
Another objector said he thought the idea was an April Fools joke, while a customer wrote: "My friends and I are happy to pay an extra 50% as it means we can all travel together and understand that the vehicles cost more for drivers to run/buy." However, a resident in support of the idea described the surcharge as extortionate, saying: "I can see no valid reason for it. I would welcome the change."
Cllr Thompson said: "The 50% surcharge was introduced [in 2000] at a time when cab owners were being looked at to provide three-seater cabs and they were more expensive then. But the need for this has expired.
"I just feel that this way, going forward, is better."
Cllr Thompson said once officers came back with updated proposals and approved by councillors, he expected any changes to come into effect by July 1.
http://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/bra ... t-on-hold/
Login
Register
FAQ
