Taxi service not hail and hearty (From Borehamwood Times)

Taxi service not hail and hearty

4:17pm Thursday 22nd March 2007 in News

Black-cab drivers from Borehamwood who are licensed to work in other areas have been urged to pick up more fares in their home town.

Members of Hertsmere Borough Council's licensing committee say they are concerned the area could be suffering from a lack of licensed taxis operating during the evenings, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.

At a meeting on Wednesday, councillors agreed to consult Hertfordshire police and said they were keen to hear from black-cab drivers about the feasibility of additional drivers working in the area.

In a letter to the committee, Paul Watkins, of Cowley Hill, Borehamwood, speaking on behalf of Hertsmere Hackney Cab Drivers, said they felt the idea would be unworkable' and that they were not pleased' about it.

But at Wednesday's meeting, councillor Robert Calcutt said it would be in the interest of residents to look into getting more taxis on the streets at late times of the day.

Councillor Leon Reefe, a black-cab driver who operates in London, added: "We need to emphasise that we are not trying to diminish the earning capabilities of existing taxi drivers in Hertsmere.

"It is about getting people off the streets at night and getting them home safely."

By law, it is an offence for a taxi licensed for one area to operate in another, but drivers can apply for a dual licence.

Councillors said they were keen to hear from other black-cab drivers about the issue.

It is due to be debated again at the next meeting of the licensing committee, scheduled for Tuesday, July 10, at 10am, at Hertsmere civic offices.