Hackney Carriage drivers demand for paintwork policy U-turn refusedCABBIES have had their call for a U-turn on two council policies rejected.
A petition with 137 signatures, of the 159 Hackney Carriage drivers, demanding the licensing system be regulated was presented to the Royal Borough’s Licensing Panel on Tuesday.
The petition claimed drivers faced financial ruin as there are too many drivers and not enough customers.
However, panel members refused the request as they felt as there is no longer a waiting list for licenses – there were 400 people on the list when the policy was introduced in April – and no drivers had handed back their licenses, the market was balanced.
Speaking at the meeting at the Town Hall, in St Ives Road, Maidenhead, councillor George Bathurst said: “We have allowed the market to find the perfect balance.”
The petition also called for a U-turn on a council policy which states Hackney Carriages must be painted in council colours.
Drivers were angry about the costs which they estimated could total up to £3,000.
Cllr David Hilton said: “Through this paintwork, we are endorsing your taxi. We are giving your customers assurances that the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has approved your taxi is safe.”
The cabbies were given some good news as the panel approved the age limit of vehicles to be extended from nine years to 12, subject to passing two MOTs a year.
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