Cabbies in St Albans, Hertfordshire, are being urged to form a new taxi trade association to meet with the local council and discuss the increasing problems they are experiencing.
This proposal for a taxi trade association comes after a meeting between the council, police and local drivers, during which the future of the taxi service in the district was discussed.
Taxi drivers raised a number of issues of concern. These include parking difficulties at the St Peter’s Street taxi rank, a desire to see a feeder rank created, arrangements for taxi-hailing points and the possibility of limiting the number of taxi license issues. Many cabbies also believe there is a need for additional ranks in the district. Concerns were also voiced over taxi licensing fees and fare structures.
Subsequent issues highlighted at the meeting were problems with unattended vehicles, highways obstruction, damage to pavements and private hire vehicles plying for trade.
In a publication posted on St Albans City and District Council website, councillor Chris Oxley says: “We very much appreciate the work that the taxi trade does for the city and district.
“Of course, their demands have got to be balanced against the needs of the whole community. We very much hope that they will form a taxi trade association which will help constructive dialogue.”