Post by The Dark Knight on Feb 23, 2024 12:28:08 GMT
Transport for London licensed taxi drivers 'steal trade' in Basildon
CABBIES are “at war” in the taxi ranks of Basildon as drivers from outside the area muscle in and steal valuable trade from them.
Taxi driver Keith Baddle has described it is a “national disgrace” as drivers from “out of area” muscle in on Basildon amid claims that taxis licensed by Transport for London and other local authorities are working in the borough.
A report, set to go before Basildon Council’s licensing committee next week, highlights an increase in “out of town” operators in the past five years and councillors will debate how they can tackle the issue.
Mr Baddle, secretary of the Basildon Borough Hackney Carriage Association, said: “It’s a national disgrace but that may be putting it too gently.
“Council has historically done the local licensing and sets standards and is responsible for the protection of the public in its area, the council can do some enforcement, but it cannot stop an ‘out of area’ vehicle.
“Licensing officers can’t stop the vehicle to check it, to make sure it is up to date and has the correct tyres, other operators have different standards.
“We must carry a fire extinguisher and we must do a local knowledge test, do these drivers from London even know the shortest distances to their destinations?”
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24138237.transport-london-licensed-taxi-drivers-steal-trade-basildon/
CABBIES are “at war” in the taxi ranks of Basildon as drivers from outside the area muscle in and steal valuable trade from them.
Taxi driver Keith Baddle has described it is a “national disgrace” as drivers from “out of area” muscle in on Basildon amid claims that taxis licensed by Transport for London and other local authorities are working in the borough.
A report, set to go before Basildon Council’s licensing committee next week, highlights an increase in “out of town” operators in the past five years and councillors will debate how they can tackle the issue.
Mr Baddle, secretary of the Basildon Borough Hackney Carriage Association, said: “It’s a national disgrace but that may be putting it too gently.
“Council has historically done the local licensing and sets standards and is responsible for the protection of the public in its area, the council can do some enforcement, but it cannot stop an ‘out of area’ vehicle.
“Licensing officers can’t stop the vehicle to check it, to make sure it is up to date and has the correct tyres, other operators have different standards.
“We must carry a fire extinguisher and we must do a local knowledge test, do these drivers from London even know the shortest distances to their destinations?”
www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24138237.transport-london-licensed-taxi-drivers-steal-trade-basildon/