Council has 'lost its way' claim disgruntled cabbies

TAXI TRADE SAYS THEIR RELATIONSHIP HAS BROKEN DOWN

- By NIGEL SLATER Local democracy reporter

DERBY City Council's licensing committee has “lost its way” with the taxi trade and it needs to be readdressed, a councillor has warned.

And one of the city’s most influential taxi drivers agreed, suggesting the relationship had broken down over time.

Private hire drivers have been hugely critical of the city council's decision to implement a new five-year-old age restriction for taxi vehicles when licensed by the authority for the first time.

Drivers believe this restriction will stop people entering the taxi trade as it would prove expensive to buy a vehicle to meet the criteria.

It is also feared that future employment of existing drivers may be insecure if they were to have an accident and then need a new vehicle. Or it could mean they would have to get licensed by another authority - such as Wolverhampton City Council.

Derby City Council is now considering a possible U-turn on the new rule following a petition signed by dozens of taxi drivers across the city against it. But it will seek public opinion before a final decision is made.