Wolverhampton taxi drivers losing licences for fighting

Wolverhampton council chiefs have launched a crackdown on scrapping drivers saying they are blighting the city's image.

In an 'unprecedented' step six reviews have been carried out into licences within the last six weeks resulting in three drivers being told they are no longer allowed to ply their trade.

Speaking at a licensing committee meeting yesterday chairman Councillor Bishan Dass said: "It is simply unacceptable for hackney carriage drivers to fight and argue with each other in the city centre.

"They are ambassadors for the city centre. It presents a terrible picture.

"It's costing us a lot of officers' time and a lot of sub-committee time to deal with all these problems, which are absolutely unnecessary."

He added: "We have got very clear guidelines to follow. We must enforce these guidelines.

"It's not only affecting trade; it's having a negative effect on customers and passengers, particularly those coming from outside the city.

"Just think about what message they will be taking back from Wolverhampton."

It is not known what is causing the disputes but the meeting was told that 'two or three' court cases are pending. Councillors were also told that one business owner filmed an argument between taxi drivers then uploaded the video to YouTube.

In an effort to end the problem, the committee plans to write a letter, jointly signed by West Midlands Police, to all Hackney Carriage operators warning them they face action if they continue to fight.

Councillor Dass said: "It's an absolutely disgusting situation that we have to go around revoking licences and making people out of work but we have no option.

"I hope everybody gets the message and understands the situation."

Councillor John Rowley, who represents Blakenhall, said taxi drivers overseas and in other parts of the UK were better behaved than those in Wolverhampton.

He said: "One of the things that's impressed me in various places I have been to has been the quality of the vehicles and the courtesy of the drivers. Why should we not be able to replicate that here?

"Our drivers should be helpful and part of being helpful is a quality service.

"The capacity to damage the image of the city is very regrettable."

The meeting was held to discuss licence fees and it was decided they will not be increased next year. Councillor Dass said the Hackney Carriage Working Group had told the council taxi drivers did not want another increase.

The fee for a new one-year licence for Hackney Carriages and private hire vehicles will remain at £77.