PROTEST PLIGHT


BLACKBURN CABBIES TO TAKE A STAND OVER UBER DRIVERS POACHING THEIR CUSTOMERS


Blackburn’s licensed cab drivers are preparing to take a stand against Uber drivers coming in from outside the area to pick up fares. A protest is planned for Thursday, 1 August, highlighting their concerns about them operating on their turf. The local cabbies fear unfair competition potentially putting them at a disadvantage. One driver, speaking anonymously, expressed his worries: “You can’t pre-book an Uber in Blackburn as they don’t have a licence. The


system does not allow it to happen. “They will put us out of business. I know a lot of cabbies who are struggling to make ends meet.” The driver added: “We saw one from Wigan just the other day, they come in, take fares all day, and then head home. We can’t do that. We live here and rely on this town for our income.” The protest aims to


raise


awareness of this issue. Scheduled for 4:30pm on Thursday, it could significantly impact traffic during the post-work rush hour. The route


will start on Lower Audley Street and wind its way through town to Darwen Street. This follows similar protests by taxi drivers in other towns across the country. Blackburn with Darwen Council acknowledges the concerns but clarifies their limitations. “We understand the frustration,” said Martin Eden, Strategic Director of Environment and Operations. “However,


the


council lacks the authority to act. This requires a change in national legislation.”


CABBIES DEMONSTRATE ABOUT RANK SPACES OUTSIDE CARDIFF TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE


Taxi drivers in Cardiff are up in arms after the number of designated taxi rank spaces at the newly built bus station dropped significantly. Previously, the Saunders Road rank boasted 24 spaces, but with the completion of the Cardiff Transport Interchange, that number has shrunk to just 11. This reduction comes despite the fact that there are over 100 licensed taxi drivers who rely on the rank, according to trade union Unite. Adding insult to injury, drivers using Saunders Road claim they’ve been threatened with fines by Cardiff Council for queuing to enter the limited space. They further allege that the council reneged on a promise to establish a feeder rank on St Mary Street to alleviate congestion. Unite officials have condemned the council’s actions, calling them


PHTM AUGUST 2024


“disgraceful” and a “direct attack” on taxi drivers’ livelihoods. They accuse the council of failing to consult with the trade and express outrage at the “continued disdain” shown towards taxi drivers. The union vows to exert maximum pressure on Cardiff councillors until the situation is rectified. In their defence, Cardiff Council maintains that the Saunders Road rank is not under their control, but rather managed by Transport for Wales (TfW) which reduced the space for security reasons. The


council claims they have been working with both TfW and the taxi trade to find solutions. These efforts include securing eight additional spaces for affected taxis in the southside train station car park and opening up four new taxi spaces on nearby St Marys Street. The council insists these additions compensate for the Saunders Road losses. Furthermore, the council denies reneging on a feeder rank at St Mary Street, claiming it’s simply not feasible due to potential safety hazards on the road. They emphasise clear communication with the trade regarding this decision, prioritising the safe operation of the new bus interchange. The council remains open to further discussions with taxi drivers to explore alternative solutions within their control.


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