SUSPENDED: Tonight's go slow Leicester taxi protest called off at 11th hour The planned 'go slow' taxi protest through Leicester city centre tonight has been called off at the 11th hour.
The RMT union had planned for its members to drive their hackney cabs in a slow moving convoy around the city from 4pm to 6pm.
However it has announced it has suspended the action as 'a gesture of goodwill' and so it can have talks with Leicester City Council next week.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he was pleased the protest had been called off but stressed again there would be no negotiations with the RMT over a scheme he said was fair, reasonable and meant to ensure the safety of the travelling public.
He said: "I am pleased the drivers are showing common sense
"I suspect they have realised the consequences of pressing ahead - that they would totally lose the support of the public and they would be putting their livelihoods at risk.
"Their leadership is trying to portray this as a gesture of goodwill but it appears to be a way of them saving face.
"I want them to know there will be no negotiations this week, next week, or until the experimental period of the new system has run its course.
"What I want to hear from them now is that this will never happen again.
"Until that happens they must know the threat to their privileges and concessions remains very real."
Leicestershire RMT branch secretary Umar Khan said: "If the council doesn't want to talk next week we shall proceed with next Friday's protest.
"It's entirely up to the council."
The suspension of the protest came after police told participating taxi drivers they may be arrested if they fail to comply with legal conditions imposed on the procession.
Chief constable Simon Cole issued a notice, under the Public Order Act, designed to prevent the disruption caused when last Friday's protest resulted in the blocking of emergency vehicles.
The police have not previously used the powers for the last two protests.
However Mr Cole has said was particularly concerned to ensure free passage for 999 vehicles after the issues ambulances had when they were blocked by taxis.
He said: "The disruption caused by the last protest was significant, including delays to the ambulance service.
"We are aware of the impact this latest protest could cause and we are working to try and reduce that.
"We have imposed a number of restrictions on the protest to try and prevent serious disruption to the life of the community, while still allowing a lawful procession to take place."
The protesting cabbies were due to gather along London Road, near the Old Horse pub, head down past the station, along St George's Way and St Matthew's Way before they turn left into Belgave Gate.
The protest was to go along Charles Street, Rutland Street, Belvoir Street, Pocklingtons Walk, Horsefair Street, Halford Street, Charles Street, and finish at Victoria Park roundabout.
The RMT union, which represents hackney cab divers in the city, is objecting to council plans to bring in a misconduct penalty points scheme for drivers.
The system will mean that drivers who commit offences, ranging from illegal parking to driving unsafe vehicles, will receive points.
When they reach a dozen points they will face a hearing before councillors who may revoke their licences.
Sir Peter had written to every hackney cab driver in Leicester warning them of the consequences should they carry out further 'go slow' protests in the city.
He said he would immediately start stripping the hackney cabs of privileges they enjoyed such as the use of city bus lanes.
The mayor has he will not change his mind on the plans and said there will be no further negotiations on the scheme
The union had suggested it will continue protesting into Christmas - even after the scheme goes live for a 12 month trial period on December 1.
Read more:
http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/SUSPE ... z3sctaaup2
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