Taxi Driver Online

March 28, 2008 Friday

Taxi drivers threaten strike over Eden

Bucks Free Press

TAXI drivers have threatened to strike over claims that the design of the Eden shopping centre is hitting takings.

Drivers of hackney carriages - which can be hailed in the street - said takings are down by 50 per cent because there is not a taxi rank outside Tesco in High Wycombe town centre.

They said a large open space outside the superstore must be used as a rank - and warned that strike action was on the table.

In a letter to council chiefs taxi leader Mahmood Hussain said: "Our last option which we are considering is taking strike action. This would obviously not be a good idea, as the people would suffer."

About 30 drivers today went into the Wycombe District Council offices in Queen Victoria Road to protest.

Mr Hussain said drivers now only gather in High Street as they can longer stop by Tesco.

He said: "There is simply not enough work now."

He added: "It is essential there should be a taxi rank around the Tesco area.

"Even at this moment...it is apparent that there is masses of open space outside and around the new Marks and Spencer."

This space was "not used for any particular purpose" he said and would prove popular with shoppers he said.

Mohammed Alyas, 47, from Dashwood Avenue said it costs him £80 a day to run his cab - but is taking in £30 a day.

Have you had a problem getting a taxi from Tesco or Eden? Leave your comments below.
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