IN THE NEWS
ROGUE CABBIES IN BLACKPOOL RAISED IN PARLIAMENT AS MP WARNS OF ‘REAL PUBLIC SAFETY RISK’
Blackpool South MP, Chris Webb, used his first Parliamentary ques- tion since being elected to high- light concerns over unlicensed cabbies picking up passengers in Blackpool. It follows a meeting with licensed drivers from his constituency who warned of the influx of drivers from other towns. Mr Webb said in the House of Commons: “Uber and similar com- panies, who have no operating licence in Blackpool, are allowing passengers to use their unlicensed PHVs, uninsured - creating a real public safety risk. “These unlicensed drivers are parking in local ranks illegally and taking fares from our hard- working Blackpool taxi drivers. “What is the Minister doing to
tackle these unlicensed drivers and will he meet with me to discuss this issue?” The question arose from meetings Chris has had with cabbies in the constituency who say they are constantly battling against drivers coming into the resort from other towns mainly using digital ride- sharing apps. He said he was told other drivers were travelling “to Blackpool as they see an opportunity to capitalise on our busy summer season.” Speaking after asking his question, he added: “The companies they operate under have made no application for an operator licence in Blackpool and have not tried to engage with the council. “There is a pattern of behaviour
emerging that is putting pass- enger safety at risk. They
are
allowing passengers in Blackpool to get into PHVs with drivers who are potentially unlicensed and uninsured.” Operators such as Uber can only work in Blackpool if they have an operating licence from the council, which is currently not in place. Chris said: “I have had meetings with the council’s licensing team and the cabinet member Cllr Paula Burdess and I hope to go on a walkabout with council officers to see for myself what is happening. “There are powers the council can use and I will be looking at those, and that is something I am hoping the minister can also do following my question.”
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JUNE 2024 PHTM
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