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The discontent in Teignbridge regarding the councils decision to change its policy continues. BB highlighted another news item regarding the same issue in another thread. The local Taxi representative has muted at legal action, perhaps he can save him and his members a few shillings by logging on to TDO to get some insight into his chance of success.
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28 March 2008
TAXI DRIVERS SAY COUNCIL WILL COST THEM £1M
Furious South Devon taxi drivers today threatened legal action after claiming councillors had wiped £1million off the value of their businesses.
Teignbridge Council voted to deregulate the district's Hackney carriage licences. And up to 100 angry drivers staged a mass blockade at the council's Newton Abbot headquarters, saying their livelihoods are now at risk.Many crowded into the main reception area at Forde House and demanded action before setting off in convoy for a protest drive around the town centre. They have planned a similar course of for action today.
Dawlish Taxis proprietor John Partridge said: "The decision is striking off more than £1million overnight." The row blew up after councillors removed restrictions on the amount of Hackney licences allowed to operate in the district. The authority says de-restricting plates brings it in line with 80 per cent of councils nationwide and encourages a more competitive environment.
But cab firms say it has wiped up to £1million off the value of their licence plates. Until Wednesday, only 82 Hackney licences were permitted to operate in Teignbridge by the council. Teignbridge Council's regulatory and appeals committee removed the restriction on the number of Hackney licences allowed to operate district-wide.
Now there is no limit on numbers, although taxi drivers will undergo rigorous checks as part of the application procedure. The move was opposed by 50 Hackney carriage drivers and nine private hire firms who are worried the increase in competition will also affect their business.
Aubrey Pitts, chairman of Teignbridge Hackney and Private Hire Association, said: "There must be up to 100 drivers protesting. It has been a really good show. We are not happy. As chairman I will be taking legal action and will be seeking advice into how to go about doing that."
Newton Abbot taxi driver Gary Lovell, 39, branded the authority's decision as 'sick' adding: "We already have to compete with the free bus pass scheme and rising fuel prices. "We are getting stung both ways. Council tax is increasing to cover the costs of the free bus scheme and we are paying more in fuel.
"Now the council has done this. It's getting harder to earn a living. What is the council going to do when we come knocking at its door saying we can't pay the council tax bill?"
Mr Partridge, 70, said deregulation has knocked thousands of pounds off the value of his fleet. Mr Partridge owns four Hackney plates and also has 21 private hire vehicles. He said: "Virtually overnight I have lost £28,000. I am very upset by what the council has done, as is everyone."
Three years ago, Hackney taxi drivers paid for a survey to be carried out which revealed there was no need for additional Hackney plates to be issued in Teignbridge. They argue they have not been given the opportunity to conduct another survey ahead of deregulation.
Brian Miller, 53, of Alpha Taxis in Teignmouth, said: "We wanted a survey to prove the need before this decision was made.
"We have got more than enough to cover the work. It has opened the doors for people to come along and work where they want. "We are fighting every day for trade. People are not using taxis like they used to."
Councillor Mike Walters, the chairman of Teignbridge Council's Regulatory and Appeals committee, met the protesting drivers.
He said later: "De-restricting Hackney carriage licences brings Teignbridge Council in line with 80 per cent of local authorities around the country who offer a full and open service, and we continue to support the local economy by providing greater opportunities for taxi operators to trade in an open and competitive environment.
"It is important to note this change does not affect our other licensing policies and safety responsibilities.
"Anyone wishing to become a Hackney carriage operator, including those currently operating private hire vehicles, will still need to apply for a licence through the standard procedures. This entails undergoing medical, criminal and vehicle checks among others, in addition to operators signing their vehicles clearly with a 'taxi' light and using vehicles no more than five years old. The decision of the regulatory and appeals committee is final, and can only be reviewed by judicial review."
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