T. wrote:
Reply: WOW there is someone who can spot a gem amongst the dross. I dont want to keep things the same (per Ludite). I want the trade to be progressive, modernised etc, "Sussex" are the Ludites they dont want to change things they want the system to stay the same, they just want to join the club for nothing.
Err, didn't you say you got your plate for nothing?
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Like every Dereg campaigner they jump ship to the other side the minute they get their hands on a plate.
I've had my hands on a hackney plate for years, but I've never changed my mind about restricted numbers.
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As for Airlines good example(not) the routes and access to major airports is strictly controlled by international treaties to protect national carriers. Ask Branson about the BA dirty tricks, he used up £millions to fight them, ask Freddie Laker about his "free-market" experience or Ryan Air ask them why they fly to airports 40 miles from the cities, it aint to give taxis more work. Taxis vs PH in the sky.
So you didn't read abou the recent 'open skies' deal between the EU and the US?
In any case, all industries are regulated to a greater or lesser extent, and I'm certainly not advocating a deregulated taxi industry, just the right for drivers to operate their own vehicle, just like you took the opportunity to do.
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When the big guns focus on our trade, will Sussex and his chums claim a victory for free trade as they decide whether to sign on the dole or work for TAXIS ARE US.
So what's to stop Tescos et al muscling in at the moment? Answer - the rank and hail markets can't be monopolised by a single big operator because drivers can work on their own.
That leaves the pre-booked market, so why haven't they muscled in on that - you say local decision making keeps them out, but that's rubbish - what's to stop them developing a national brand operated locally? That's effectively what Tescos do in the retail sector at the moment, so if they wanted to do the same with the trade then they would have done it by now.
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The current system works, it can be improved, but Dereg is not working in the areas that have it, the services to the public are no better, drivers are no better off, the only people who gain are the large radio circuits because owner/drivers are forced to join to have any chance of making a living. "Sussex" hates the "exploitative" companies but plays right into their hands by advocating Dereg. Dereg will be the death of independant owner/drivers
Wot you mean like the London black cab sector? No sign of the death of independent there, and no sign of "GBCs 'r' us" either.
Your drivers in a "deregulated" market who would be forced to work for a circuit would be doing the same for a PH circuit in a "regulated" market. The difference is that in a derestricted market the drivers would have the choice.
So you're wrong - it's you that's forcing drivers to do what you want in a restricted market, no the other way round
