Cabbies strike in drive to reinstate security

Cabbies strike in drive to reinstate security

CABBIES went on strike in Guildford on Saturday after cash shortages led to a reduced number of taxi marshals.

Hackney Carriage drivers stopped their clocks from 1am until 2am to fight for the return of permanent security staff at the town centre Friary taxi rank.

Staff, which cabbies say protect the public, have patrolled the queues each weekend until recently.

Now the service only runs on the first weekend of every month because permanent funding, costing £15,000 a year, is not yet available.

Marshals will be working each night from December 24 until 31.

Of the 65 drivers on call last Saturday, about 55 sat behind the wheel at Millmead council offices in protest instead of working.

Trevor Sutton, chairman of the Federation of Guildford Taxi Drivers, was among them.

He said they would strike again if Millmead did not take action.

Hackney Carriage drivers are licensed by the borough council and can also be hailed on the street.

The taxi marshal scheme was launched by the Safer Guildford Partnership as a trial leading up to Christmas last year. The borough and county councils and police are among its funders.

Security is always a concern among cabbies. The strike comes just one week after a Guildford taxi driver had his jaw broken during an attack after customers refused to pay.

The marshals predominantly protect the public but Mr Sutton said their presence helped to prevent further attacks.

“It makes people think twice,” he said.

“We are very unhappy with the council’s stance on taxi marshals.

“We had them up until September, then the Guildford Safety Partnership ran out of funding and the marshals disappeared.

“They maintain order, make sure no one queue jumps and keep people safe.

“Marshals have been tried and tested nationwide. Taxi ranks can be a flashpoint for trouble.

“The council is asking us for a contribution towards the cost of taxi marshals. We say it’s unfair for us to contribute.”

Mr Sutton added that there had been trouble at the Friary rank previously, which had improved since the marshals arrived.

“The council is putting the public at risk,” he said.

““There have been problems there for a number of years.

“We had problems with violent behaviour, queue jumping, all the usual issues that alcohol-fuelled people waiting in a group causes.

“We are concerned about people feeling safe where they are waiting for a taxi because, if they feel safe, then they are quite happy to wait.

“If they feel intimidated then that costs us trade.”

A Guildford Council said limited funds were only available because it was a trial and said it is seeking permanent funding.

Marie Clarke, Safer Guildford Partnership manager, said: “We are in discussions with the trade to see what other groups would be willing to contribute towards the scheme.

First printed in: Surrey Times

I was working on cabs last time marshals were used here but they didn't make much difference IMO.