Donny cabbies protesting

by **Admin** Tue 29 Jan 2008 - 15:38

Doncaster Free Press

January 28, 2008

Cabbies plan on 'drive-thru' licence protest

SCORES of angry taxi drivers are planning to drive through Doncaster town centre in protest at the number of licences granted in the borough.

The town's newly-formed Hackney Carriage Drivers Union claims Doncaster Council has granted too many licences for the amount of work available.

The group also says there is not enough rank space for black cabs to wait at on the streets.

Hackney Carriages or black cabs are allowed to wait at ranks or stop in the streets to pick up fares.

The union claims there are 210 black cabs operating in the borough. However, there are only 26 spaces available at taxi ranks in East Laith Gate and St Sepulchre Gate.

Jarnel Singh, spokesman for the Hackney Carriage Drivers Union, said the council should only issue about 150 black cab licences.

He said: "There are just too many Hackney carriages at the moment and

it is becoming a problem.

"There seems to be less and less work going round because there are more and more taxis going in.

"The drivers are up in arms about this, and there is simply not enough room.

"We've now set up the Doncaster Hackney Carriage Drivers Unions and we want to have a rolling rally with all the drivers driving through the town centre.

"We've met people from the council about the problem, but people are disheartened and we want more support and recognition for the valuable service we provide."

Jane Miller, Doncaster Council's director of neighbourhoods, said the authority was looking at the possibility of increasing the number of cab ranks in the borough to improve their accessibility.

She said: "In common with the majority of local authorities, Doncaster has removed the limits on the number of Hackney carriages that can operate in the borough.

"Allowing more black cabs enables local people to get home quickly,

safely and conveniently after an evening out and is another transport choice for Doncaster's residents.

"As with any service industry, some periods are busier than others."