Over 50 black cab drivers took to the streets of Norwich this week in a protest to gain more support from the Council for the taxi trade.
The cabbies’ aim was to be noticed by local councillors and for them to agree to help and support the taxi trade in areas they say lack control. Issues raised include the misuse of the city’s taxi ranks and the desire to have a less complex version of the “Knowledge Test” for private hire drivers introduced.
Organiser, Craig Dimbleby, said: “We had a really good turnout today and I think we got our message across. Already, the police have said they’ll work with us in the future and that’s one of the things we were looking for – it’s the first step in a long marathon.”
Working Positively with Police
The protest, organised by the Norwich Hackney Trade Association, was supposed to last over two hours but after a discussion with local police it was agreed the black cab drivers would reduce the protest to two slow-go laps around the City Halls. The drivers shared cabs to reduce the number of vehicles too.
“I think we’ve made an impact today and I just hope the council takes notice.”
Making an Impact
Despite having to scale the protest down the black cab drivers say they’ve had a positive response from Norwich City Council and believe that the requests of the taxi trade will now be taken seriously.
Jon Perks, 59, chairman of the Norwich Hackney Trade Association, said: “I think we’ve made an impact today and I just hope the council takes notice that we won’t continue to be stood on.”
A spokesman for Norwich City Council said it aimed to address the issues raised and work in unison with the trade.
He commented: “The safety of the public is always paramount, and we carry out thorough assessments of anybody applying for a taxi licence.
“While these robust checks are in place, there are also some things that we can’t impose restrictions on. We try to work closely with taxi drivers on all issues and are in regular contact with them and their representatives.”
Chief Inspector Nathan Clark thanked the taxi drivers for their “sensible” attitude towards the protest.