BARBERGH:
ROUND THE COUNCILS.. RIBBLE VALLEY:
REVISED PROPOSALS FOR FARE CHANGES
A fresh table of fares for hackney carriages has been pro- posed for Babergh District Council following problems earlier last year – but cab firms have said the latest fares will still not create clear prices for passengers. Suffolk News reports that the revised fares were planned for earlier in 2020 which aimed to clarify prices while also recognising drivers hadn’t had a rise in tariffs since 2016 despite increased costs of running vehicles. But the council’s cabinet ordered a fresh look at the num- bers in July after firms pointed out that the prices would actually leave them worse off, and create more confusion for passengers. A fresh proposal has now been put forward to the council’s licensing and regulatory committee, which unanimously agreed the changes to go to cabinet for a final decision. But cab companies have said those fares will still not be trans- parent for passengers. The revised fares on vehicles that can carry between one and four passengers will be a £3.20 starting rate with 20p increases every 176 yards and a running mile of £2 for the day tariff; £4.80 with a 30p increase per 176 yards and a £3 run- ning mile for 11pm-7am; and £6.40 with a 40p increase every 176 yards and a £4 running mile for Christmas and New Year. For vehicles that can carry five passengers or more those prices will begin at £4.80 for a day rate with 30p increases for every 176 yards; £7.20 for the night rate with 45p increas- es; and £9.60 for Christmas and New Year with 60p increases.
But cab firms have questioned why the price rise is on the vehicle and not the number of passengers. Stuart Armstrong, of AAA Cabs Ltd, said 54 of the district’s 68 cabs would need new meters fitted because of the change, and said that it would put people off getting into cabs. He pointed out that larger vehicles are often used by those in wheelchairs or people with pushchairs, and this would unfairly hit them harder. A meeting was convened with cabbies in August to under- stand their concerns. While most of those original issues have been sorted, questions were raised over the licensing committee not taking into consideration the latest issues around cab size, which were put forward by some cab oper- ators during the latest consultation. Mark Newman, chairman of the licensing and regulatory committee, said: “We have given it a lot of time. We did have a consultation with all the taxi drivers [in August] and I think that was really successful. “We have had three letters, not really complaining but with different suggestions, and we will get that – you will never make everybody happy.” If approved by cabinet, the new fares will come into effect from April 5 2021, with a review taking place annually.
48 UNSAFE CLITHEROE TAXI TAKEN OFF ROAD
A taxi has been taken of the road after a safety swoop by inspectors in Clitheroe. According to the Lancashire Telegraph, enforcement offi- cers at Ribble Valley Council joined forces with the police and the DVSA in checks on potentially unroadworthy vehi- cles in the town. Of the eight vehicles inspected, five were found to be of the required standard. But two vehicles were served with notices requiring work to be carried out within seven days and one was taken off the road pending an essential repair. Further taxi swoops are planned across Ribble Valley over the coming weeks. The council’s taxi enforcement officer Carl Rung, said: “This was a joint operation, where vehicles were subject to a rig- orous inspection to ensure they were compliant with licence conditions. “Although three vehicles were served with notices, we are delighted that most were of an excellent standard.”
LINCOLNSHIRE: DRIVERS WATCH FOR CHILD EXPLOITATION
Lincolnshire taxi drivers are being urged to watch out for signs of child exploitation. Lincolnshire County Council said it is “committed to protecting” children from exploitation despite the coronavirus pandemic’s challenges. According to The Lincolnite, Chris Cook, chairman of the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership said “exploitation is developing nationwide and we need to be ahead of the game”. Child exploitation covers missing children, county lines (drug trafficking), sex trafficking, modern slavery and online grooming. All taxi drivers across Lincolnshire are provided with training to spot signs of child exploitation. In the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee on November 20, Chris Cook highlighted the importance of taxi drivers in child exploitation cases, and said they are the “eyes and ears of the community”. He explained: “Children can be moved from place to place by taxi so it is important that drivers have this type of training.” Mr Cook added: “Despite the disruption caused by Covid, we all remain committed to protecting our young people from every form of exploitation. If we become complacent, those criminal gangs will get ahead of us.” Councillor Robert Foulkes said: “To me, county lines [drug and sex trafficking] are the work of the devil. It’s just awful.” Lincolnshire Police has been working with partners during both lockdowns to ensure that they can respond effectively to child exploitation and abuse.
JANUARY 2021
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