Views wanted as County Durham taxi debate begins

Aug 2 2010 by Kerry Wood, The Journal

A SHAKE-UP of taxi services could prove costly to hundreds of cabbies as they face increased competition for fares.

Licensing bosses in County Durham have launched a review of the way they distribute licences to hackney carriage and private hire drivers.

The review has come after the formation of a unitary council in County Durham, replacing seven district councils that all had their own arrangements.

A number of options are being looked at, with different plans either likely to hit cab drivers in the pocket or leave passengers with longer waits.

Durham County Council’s head of environment, health and consumer protection Joanne Waller said: “I’d encourage anyone who regularly uses taxis or private hire vehicles to make sure they have their say during this consultation process.

“These are complex and sensitive issues and this is an important opportunity for everyone to help shape the way this service is operated in the future.”

Despite the scrapping of the county’s seven districts last year, taxi drivers still operate within the rules set down for their “zone”. Currently only two of the seven zones – Durham City and Chester-le-Street – have a cap on how many licences are handed out.

The limit means only 74 drivers can operate in Durham with 92 in Chester-le-Street, but there are no restrictions in Derwentside, Wear Valley, Sedgefield, Easington and Teesdale.

Removing the restrictions could open the floodgates for any cabbies to try and pick up passengers, driving down business for those already working in the zones.