So, we had the bombshell notification and with only about ten days to write in about it. Well, I got in touch with the local ‘Brighton & Hove News’ straight away so I could stamp my feet - see the Rank Rumblings feature on page 14 of PHTM or click here.
A few days later I had a meeting planned with Licensing and a couple of colleagues on another matter. As I was down at the Town Hall I was asked if I would like to speak to the project manager of the scheme who hap- pened to be in the lobby with the plans on the wall. I should say at this point that it is not just the rank that is in question but a good proportion of the area that has other changes involved as well. I thought: “Why not” and took a deep breath as I approached him, we intro- duced ourselves and I let him get on with it.
However, it wasn’t long before I had to interject to tell him that under no circumstances will the rank ever be moved and I certainly made this very clear in the politest way that I could, on the basis that I am of course ‘fit and proper’, I thanked him for his time and headed off to the meeting. I have to make the point that he was a very pleasant chap and probably just doing other people’s bidding.
Because of the fuss I made about this we were told that he was now coming to our Trade Forum meeting the fol- lowing week. So I looked forward to seeing him again.
That meeting came and after he and his fellow project team colleague said their piece, I said my piece again and this time in front of other trade reps and local coun- cillors. The deputy Chair offered his apologies about us not being informed and I had to remind him that this was the second time he has apologised when a rank was stolen from us during the pandemic to widen some paving for so called ‘social distancing’.
I put it to them that we consider that removing the rank was actually a done deal as the decision has obviously been made to which this was denied… but we all know how councils work.
A meeting has now been set for August… but I ain’t changing my position!
FARE REVIEW
We had a Fare Review in April and only just got it through on a 5% increase. This was after several months
AUGUST 2022
of the standard procedure of preparation where we originally put in for a 3.5% increase. But because the CPI rate was shown to be nearer 7% at the time, we were fortunate to have two of our friendly councillors put in a late amendment for us for 5%. We only just got that through on a 6/5 vote, with the Greens voting against, which we were not at all happy about and I certainly made my feeling clear on this.
However, very surprisingly, at the Trade Forum meeting it was hinted to us that we could possibly have a chance for a further Fare Review this year which would certainly help with the shocking price of fuel at the moment. The only issue is that the next Licensing meeting is not until October, such is the process of Fare Reviews.
My only concern is that we are now facing the prospect of using 30p units having used 20p units for many years. I remember the time when it clicked over in 10p units and the concern when we moved to 20p units.
The issue is that we have got to the point where we have reduced the yardage, which is currently at 146.7 for 20p, and if we reduce the yardage further then of course the 20p will click over much faster, and I think to the point where it will look like a fruit machine.
Going to 30p units will be a big step but it won’t click over so fast and instead click over in big jumps. Will the public accept this is the big question. We could go in 25p units but I don’t see this as being practical as this will leave odd fares such as £7.85 which seems strange to me.
I have to say though that in all my years of being involved with Fare Reviews I have never known two in one year. However, I have already declared to my col- leagues that someone else can sort this prospective one out because of the time involved and of course you never end up pleasing everyone. I’ve stated that I am happy to advise on this and my first advice was to never refer to this as a ‘Fare Increase’ - it’s always a ‘Fare Review’ which sounds much nicer….
Andy Peters Brighton & Hove Cab Trade Association
info@bhcta.co.uk www.bhcta.co.uk
facebook.com/groups/bhcabta @cabsbrighton 65
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