Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers to face fees hike


TAXI drivers are calling for better services as they face a hike in licensing fees.

Shropshire Council is currently consulting with drivers and operators on their proposed variation of fees for the licensing of Hackney Carriages and private hire vehicles.

They will include increasing a driver’s badge three-year renewal by £18 to £174, and a three-year renewal for a private hire operator with up to five vehicles increasing to £215 - an increase of £107.

However, some training fees will fall.

But Oswestry taxi drivers say the service they receive from the council must improve.

Mark Higgins, from Berwyn Cars, said: “We don’t mind paying more, but only if the service corresponds with the fee increase.

“Every year since licensing went to Shropshire Council we have had a fee increase, but the service is getting less and less.”

Phil Picking from Norm’s Taxis agreed, adding: “ It’s like everything, they put it up and we just have to put up with it.

“We don’t get anything from the council in return, you don’t get any support. Personally we would like to see the council cap the number of licences and badges they give out. Shropshire is probably one of the few councils that doesn’t cap, so you pay more and more, but earn less and less.”

Objections to the new fees must be received by 5pm on Sunday, February 15, in writing, either by post or email.

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, said: “We can recover certain costs associated with delivering the licensing service for the Hackney Carriage and private hire trades.

Consequently, the fees currently being proposed aim to do this in as fair a manner as is possible, while continuing to comply with relevant legal requirements.”

Any objections will be considered by the council’s Strategic Licensing Committee before a final decision is made, with any fees changes taking effect from April 1.

For more information visit new.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/taxi-licence-fees-consultation

source: http://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co. ... -hike.aspx

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

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