Plan to resolve Berwick taxi loophole

Oct 27 2009 by Dave Black, The Journal

It will not be endorsed by the full county council until early next year, to allow councillors time to look in more detail at policies which are linked to the document.

Committee chairman, Coun Edward Heslop, said: "I am pleased that the policy has been agreed in principle, but also that the committee has recognised the need to take more time to look at some of the issues involved to ensure that the policy is fair, transparent and workable.

"These are not easy decisions to make due to the possible impact on people’s livelihoods and their personal and family circumstances. I am aware that this may lead to a longer period of uncertainty for those in the trade, but by the committee agreeing the policy in principle, it hopefully provides a clear indication of the approach that we propose to take."

In June last year, more than 100 Hackney cab drivers staged a go slow in the streets protest around Newcastle’s Civic Centre.

The drivers say livelihoods are being threatened and the public put at risk by cab drivers coming into the city from other areas.

Organiser of the original protest, taxi driver Graham Goldie said: "This is the first we’ve heard of the new policy, so at this stage it’s difficult for us to comment further."