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TAXI DRIVERS’ ANGER AT NEWCASTLE CENTRAL STATION FEES CHARGED DURING PANDEMIC AS DEMAND PLUMMETS


Taxi drivers based at Newcastle Central Station (NCS) have hit out at transport operator London North Eastern Rail- way (LNER) after they were told to pay hundreds of pounds in fees despite los- ing 80% of their work during the coronavirus pandemic. ChronicleLive reports that since the beginning of the first lockdown in March, LNER has waived permit fees paid by cabbies who work at the station. But at the end of October, drivers were told to pay £253.75 to cover the remainder of the year - a 50% reduction on the usual amount. LNER has said it “understands” the uncertainty of the pandemic, saying that the sum equates to 25% of the annual fee, but drivers suffering with falling business have called for the rail firm to reconsider.


In an email to ChronicleLive, a spokesperson on behalf of the drivers at the station said that footfall around the station is now less than 30% of usual levels and some taxi drivers are sitting in the rank for between nine and 12 hours a day but only carrying out three or four jobs. The email said: “The work has dropped by 80%. Many drivers have had to install a private hire radio to subsidise their income, some drivers have just walked away from their permits with some handing their taxi vehicle licence back to the local authority.” On the second national lockdown, they said: “These new measures will have a huge detrimental effect on the taxi industry as a whole and any potential earnings for the foreseeable future, as well as the money the DfT wants from


taxi drivers at NCS.” Steve Sholder, who has been a taxi driv- er in the Newcastle area for about 40 years, said: “We have still got bills to pay and even with them charging 50% we have got to make a decision on whether to pay the permit or buy food. “The North East is one of the poorest regions in the country but NCS is one of the most expensive in the UK.” A LNER spokesperson said: “Following six months of waiving all fees, we have reduced the payment for the remainder of the year and provided for an extend- ed payment term for this reduced amount, which after our 50% concession equals just 25% of the annual charge for drivers operating on the rank.” They added that drivers who are strug- gling should get in touch with LNER to discuss additional support.


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16 DECEMBER 2020


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