Free-for-all feared on the taxi ranks

Jan 15 2009 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

TAXI drivers fear a “free-for-all” on the ranks when licensing rules regarding fare pick-ups change in April.

The abolition of the seven district councils on March 31 will lead to the new single authority taking charge of licensing of taxis in County Durham.

Each of the seven district councils has its own set of fares, licensing fees, bylaws and conditions but none has a formal taxi policy.

Cabbies in Durham city centre fear that others from outlying towns and villages will move in to cash in on the lucrative weekend trade.

One long-serving cabbie, who asked not to be named, said: “It will be a free-for-all.

“There will be nothing to stop drivers from places like Stanley and Spennymoor plying their trade on the Durham ranks. This will affect our business but will also lead to a shortage of taxis in other towns and villages where the trade is not considered as lucrative.”

Durham County Council officers are carrying out widespread consultation on a draft policy to come into effect with the new unitary council in April.

Council leader Simon Henig described the issue as “one of the most challenging we need to resolve as part of local government reorganisation”.

He added: “Should we keep seven separate zones after the new unitary council comes in next April or move to a single zone with the same set of standards throughout? This is an important issue affecting our economy and transport strategy and potentially one of the most challenging issues we need to resolve as part of local government reorganisation.

“For that reason, it is vitally important to get the views of the public and taxi trade on all possible options, including a third option of a transition period if we adopt the same standards across the county.

“I hope that as many people as possible will submit their views.”

As part of the consultation, which ends on February 20, seven public meetings are to be held, starting on Friday, January 23, from 1pm to 2.30pm at the Abbey Leisure Centre, Durham.

Other meetings to be held from 1pm to 2.30pm are at Sacriston Social Club, Front Street, Sacriston, on Monday, January 26; Seaham Leisure Centre on Wednesday, January 28; Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington, on Friday, January 30; Spennymoor Leisure Centre on Monday, February 2; and Glaxo Social Club, Barnard Castle, on Tuesday, February 3.

The last meeting will be on February 4 from 6.30pm to 8pm at the Civic Hall, Consett.

Licensing officers will attend the meetings to outline the proposals and discuss issues.

The draft policy has also been sent to taxi drivers and owners, businesses, residents and users so that they can contribute their views.

Currently there are 1,500 hackney carriage and private hire vehicles in the county and 2,500 licensed taxi drivers.