While the majority of Leicester hackney drivers continue to be frustrated by LTI’s legal action preventing them from choosing which vehicle they drive, Nigel Brookes and Majeed Ahmad remain determined in their fight.
Both men purchased Peugeot E7s before court action blocked the council’s wish to licence Cab Direct’s purpose-built hackney taxi. In fact Majeed Ahmad was off the road for six weeks while LTI required Leicester City Council to undertake a review of his individual case.
However, Majeed was eventually able to join Nigel Brookes as the only drivers allowed to use the E7 in Leicester. Now both are continuing to campaign on behalf of their colleagues.
It certainly appears that LTI will go to almost any length to keep alternative vehicles out of Leicester. Nigel explains: “I pulled onto the rank one day when a salesman based in Peterborough approached and offered me MORE than I paid for my E7, if I would trade it in for a TXII. Needless to say the answer was no chance!”
Nigel commented, “The E7 is a fantastic vehicle and my passengers also think it’s great. During the week I do a lot of contract work that involves transporting disabled kids. They regularly fall asleep which shows how quiet and smooth the vehicle is – I can’t imagine this happening with my old vehicle!”
“Although I count myself and Majeed as being the lucky ones I want all my colleagues to enjoy the freedom of choice that we’ve had. We’ll continue to fight on their behalf so that one day they can buy an E7 themselves, if that’s what they choose to do.”
“Our fight has already lasted five years and we now have two E7s in Leicester but this is only the beginning. When every driver is able to choose what vehicle they drive we will then feel that the campaign has been a success.”