Taxis call off New Year strike threat

Private hire drivers in Telford today called off their planned New Year's Eve strike, but have warned that further action cannot be ruled out.

Mohammed Zaman, chairman of the Telford Private Hire Drivers Association, said there could be more strikes in January as the dispute between drivers and Telford & Wrekin Council continues.

The dispute centres on claims by the drivers that they are being unfairly punished by the council's licensing department for minor indiscretions.

Mr Zaman said he had been in discussions with Councillor Kuldip Sahota and David Wright, MP for Telford, before taking the decision not to strike on one of the busiest nights of the year for drivers.

He said: "It will be business as usual. However, industrial action may well continue in January and the coming months until positive action is taken to resolve altercations between Telford & Wrekin Council's licensing team and the drivers."

The first strike took place on December 19. Drivers refused to pick up fares from 11pm until finally being persuaded by club bosses to take people home from 2am.

Councillor Jacqui Seymour, for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "I am pleased to hear that the private hire taxi drivers have taken this sensible decision and reiterate that the council has always been ready and willing to meet to discuss some grievances that some drivers may feel."