More taxis on the road (West Lothian)

by **Admin** Fri 16 Jan 2009 - 10:35

More taxis on the road

Published Date: 16 January 2009
By Irene MacKinnon
IT MAY be the end of the road for the taxi licence limit that operates across West Lothian.
The Council Executive has agreed to de-restrict local taxi licence numbers.

But a 12 month series of reviews will put the brakes on, before the decision takes effect.

Robert De Bold, executive councillor for the environment said: "We believe this is a fair and sensible move.

"It will provide a level playing field for the taxi trade and it will offer better choice to the people of West Lothian."

He added: "It will allow greater control of the taxi trade, better enforcement measures and improved quality standards for drivers."

There are currently 166 licences issued in West Lothian due to the policy of restricting taxi numbers with 134 applicants on the waiting list. Consequently, there has been an increase in the number of private hire cars in the region in the past 10 years currently standing at 303.

Brian Arthur is the owner of Five Star Taxis, a private hire taxi company based in Linlithgow Bridge.

Brian said: "Anyone with a private hire licence should be able to apply for a full licence.

"However, if they open it up to absolutely anyone, then they will flood the market, putting more businesses out of the game. In this economic climate, there is no room for any more."

Brian feels that the proportion of taxis to private hire cars is all wrong in West Lothian.

He said: "In Falkirk there are 550 taxis and 50 private hire cars which is about the right proportion.

"In West Lothian, there are 146 taxis and 300 private hire cars. It's been like this for a long time."

Private hire cars differ from taxis in that they cannot use the word "taxi" in their signage, and they cannot be hailed in the street or use taxi ranks.

Private hire cars must be pre-booked and drivers do not have to pass a local knowledge test.

The 12 month review will include an assessment of the types of vehicles suitable for taxis and private hire cars, plus a look at conditions and fare structure, taxi ranks, enforcement measures and phasing arrangements for issuing additional taxi licences.

editorial@journalandgazette.co.uk