Black cab and private hire cab drivers in Newcastle will take part in a ‘go-slow’ protest through the city centre following the Council’s decision to scrap the local knowledge test earlier this year.
The stringent exam, locally known as the “Geordie Knowledge” test, quizzes prospect cabbies on local history, landmarks, tourist attractions, quickest routes and hotels to name a few. Previously drivers had to pass the exam before being granted with a taxi or private hire license. But not any more. A decision which has led to a rapid increase in the number of cabs on the road.
Customer Service
The local taxi drivers pride themselves on their excellent customer service and the warm, knowledgeable welcome they’re able to provide to visitors to the city. They fear this will not be the case without the test.
In response to the policy change, drivers and employees of some of the city’s largest taxi firms signed a petition, at the time of the announcement, asking the council to rethink the change. However, they say the petition has fallen on deaf ears and feel they have no choice but to take things to the next stage by performing a go-slow protest through the city’s streets.
Private hire driver, Mark Lillie, said: “In four months, we’ve gone from 1,200 Newcastle private hire cars, slowly built up over 20 years, to 1,600 and counting.
“Members of our group have seen cars drive down one way streets the wrong way, one car went around one of Newcastle’s busiest city centre roundabouts the wrong way and some are turning left and right when signs forbid them to do so.”
“When will they stop issuing licenses? When everyone in Newcastle holds a taxi badge?”
No Support for Black Cab or PHV Drivers
There’s also a feeling amongst the trade that since the influx in drivers, there’s been no support on the streets.
Mr Lillie commented: “We’ve seen no extra enforcement teams out on the road and no extra staff employed, yet there are 25% extra private hire cars – this is also a safety issue.
“When will they stop issuing licenses? When everyone in Newcastle holds a taxi badge?
“We want Newcastle City Council to both put a cap on the total number of private hire cars and bring back a locality test like North Tyneside, Gateshead and Northumberland.”
GPS Devices
Newcastle City Council says the decision was made based on government legislation and the rise in the use of GPS devices.
A council spokesman commented: “We’ve received more applications for private hire licences since the locality tests were removed. However, this is for a number of reasons including more drivers from outside of the area wishing to compete for fares in the busy city centre.
“Despite the increase, we continue to vet all applications very carefully as the safety of the travelling public is our highest priority.”
The protest will take place on Monday 16th November, and is expected to last 90 minutes as the cabbies make their way through the city centre.