Problems include cab ranks, the number of licensed cabs, the lack of council action on illegal and unlicensed cab touts endangering the public and excessive licensing fees
22 Jul 2009
A packed meeting, last week, of Clacton’s cab drivers heard of a long history of the Clacton Council’s behaviour towards this vital part of the area’s transport infrastructure.
Clacton’s professional drivers who work in the Private Hire and Hackney Carriage industries and who are members of the GMB trade union’s Professional Drivers Branch (GMB PDB) are calling on Clacton Council to take action on the many problems facing the local cab trade. These problems concern the cab ranks, the number of licensed cabs, council toleration of illegal and unlicensed cab touts, excessive licensing fees. Other issues were also raised. Too many cabs a considerable shortage of rank spaces, arrogant and vindictive licensing officers, all of which threaten the presence of a cab service for the area. Drivers reported to the meeting that they have to work more than 80 hours a week to make a living. Reports too of the council refusing to listen to it’s cab drivers and which allows or even encourages it’s Licensing Officers to behave in unprofessional ways including hiding behind trees with cameras attempting to prove illegal ranking.
Clacton’s cab drivers decided to join GMB‘s Professional Drivers Branch to gain the support of Britain’s largest cab and private hire union which is representing the needs of professional drivers in and their fares.
Terence Flanagan, GMB National Organiser Professional Drivers said, "Clacton Council consistently refuses to have a meaningful dialogue with the cabbies. The council refuses to accept that the future for their cab service is at risk as a direct result of its behaviour in failing to sort out the industries problems in the area.
GMB members will vigorously organise political and industrial action may be necessary to solve the communication problem and get the council to listen to the drivers. Any action is likely to include unannounced strikes. The council might care to consider the scenario of thousands of late night revellers on a Saturday leaving clubs and being to left in Clacton town centre or passengers arriving at train stations to find no cabs. The travelling public will know that it is the council that has let them down and caused the inconveniency and travelling problems.
GMB calls on the council to enter into a meaningful dialogue immediately in order to avoid this. The public deserve a first class cab service and it is the council’s job to provide it lawfully and safety.”