Criticism after moves to raise Telford taxi driver licensing payment
Council bosses say they are consulting with taxi operators over moves to increase licensing fees.
Officers have also hit back at claims that not enough is being done to tackle illicit use of taxi ranks in Telford.
Members of the borough’s Hackney Carriages Association have criticised proposals to put up the cost of three-year driver licence fees by £32 to £220.
New vehicle plates for black cabs will now cost £150 up from £110, a rise of £40.
There have also been claims that out-of-town firms are squeezing them out of business by wrongly calling at the train station to pick up fares due to a lack of enforcement.
In response, Telford & Wrekin Council’s spokeswoman Emily Taylor said the authority would welcome any information from the Hackney Carriage Association.
She said: “We are currently consulting on the increase of licensing fees for taxis, including hackney carriages.
“We are not aware of any representation from the Hackney Carriage Association to date but we would welcome any feedback.
“The consultation closes on Wednesday.
“With regards to enforcement of taxi ranks, we always react to any complaint received and we also continue to undertake spot checks, particularly at Telford Central railway station.”
