Shropshire taxi drivers' anger over blanket fares

Taxi drivers across Shropshire have reacted angrily to new blanket fares which have been welcomed by councillors - in a development billed as the first battle of a long war.

Moves to bring in a unified fare structure and overhaul licenses of all Hackney carriages in Shropshire were backed by the council's strategic licensing committee yesterday and will come into force if backed by Shropshire council's cabinet next month.

But the steps to bring about a "common set of conditions" have been met with fierce opposition from cab drivers who claim the zones need to remain to protect the unique conditions of each area.

Under the proposals, five operating areas based on the former borough and district councils would be abolished in favour of one zone.

The new fee card will be introduced on March 5 - providing no representations are made to the committee in the next 14 days.

Patrick Nolan, licensing consultant for Shrewsbury Drivers' Action Group, said: "Today was the first battle of a much longer war.

"The drivers are very determined and over the next 14 days there will be tense and focussed negotiations between relevant drivers groups as well as the council - before the decision is ratified.

"The drivers will be putting their considerations forward and there may well be more high profile protests."

The new fee card with fresh charges has been agreed subject to a 14-day representation period and providing there are is no opposition, the move will come into action on March 5.

Pete Quinton-Jones, of Bridgnorth Taxis, said: "The de-zoning will be disastrous for local firms. It will leave a big whole for other firms to exploit, in a difficult economic climate, when cost are already going up."

Meanwhile Tim Higgins, a taxi operator in Oswestry said he was pleased with the result of the meeting believing a unified fare structure will bring down administration costs.

The new fees, which see a in rise the cost of licences for Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles from £105 to £130, are expected to come into force on March 31.

Taxi forums take place on February 23 in Ludlow, Oswestry and Shrewsbury. All meetings start at 10.30am.

By Sam Pinnington