HACKNEY CARRIAGE REPORT

JANUARY 2000

Purpose of Report To create a better understanding of the Taxi Trade to help realise the potential held in relation to the Public Transport Structure within Bristol. To further take in to account the individual costs involved in relation to Bristol city councils aim of providing equal opportunities and the need to create an environment whereby an individual can adequately recover his or her initial investment, which has been made in support of these aims. To further understand the very real need to provide adequate taxi rank provision in relation to the continuing practice of deregulation and the ever-increasing number of new licences.

Background
The public taxi trade was de-regulated in July 1997. At that time there were 273 vehicles licensed as hackney carriages, and with few notable exceptions, were of the saloon type variety. However, de-regulation criteria called for the inclusion of wheelchair accessible vehicles for all new licences from that date. This was to further the aim of Bristol city council in their quest to offer equal opportunities to all and aid in the transportation of wheelchair bound persons.

Since July 1997 there have been a further 190 licences issued giving a total figure to date of 463, a rise of very nearly 70% in little more than two years. All new licences being wheelchair accessible.

The Issues
Section 7.6 of the Transport Plan clearly states that de-regulation of the taxi trade has led to increased provision and that the council are committed to the installation of increased ranking space, reviewing current provision and identifying new locations.

That even with further identified locations and increased provision for vehicles, this still falls well short of what is required in relation to the increased percentage of vehicle numbers. It must also be taken in to account that increased provision must be in relation to public need and accessibility.

That the review, currently being carried out by the Planning Directorate, only takes in to account the provision offered by the trade at this time and does not reflect adequately the increase in the number of licences likely in the longer term.

It is considered that the introduction of the proposed light rail transport system will bring added competition to the public transport sector and impinge on the custom already afforded to those offering such a service.

The Solution
It is considered imperative that council carry out a post de-regulation review with regard to the hackney carriage trade in relation to taxi rank provision. It is thought essential for the Licensing and Planning Directorates to take a far sighted approach and consider putting in place a structure designed to take in to account the increase in vehicle numbers expected in the longer term.

That if this proves difficult to achieve, then an immediate review of how licences are to be issued in future is to be given serious consideration.

It is thought of equal importance that all newly identified locations for taxi rank provision be well publicised to ensure maximum public awareness and usage. This will ensure equal status amongst taxi ranks that will ensure greater benefits to all concerned.

To be viewed as an essential and integrated part of the public transport structure. It is believed that the potential within the public taxi trade is consistently overlooked to the detriment of all concerned. It is thought that to include the trade within the framework of subsidised services would help alleviate some concerns surrounding current rank provision by keeping a high percentage of vehicles on the move. This would cut current costs on routes that are not currently financially viable. Give equal opportunity to those whose initial investment is becoming more difficult to recover. Offer greater opportunity to those that need them by running more services that include wheelchair accessibility.

Conclusion
It is apparent that the public transport system is in need of an overhaul. By incorporating the public taxi trade in the ways described could be viewed as radical. However, there is at this time a need for radical thinking that impinges on both licensing and planning. There is an obvious need for officers of both directorates to form a working group to discuss all implications held within this report. There is a duty of care and responsibility towards the trade as well as to the public at large. It is thought that the opportunity exists to greatly improve the transport system within the Bristol area and thus create a benchmark for the country as a whole to follow. This will only be the case for those interested parties if the will to succeed is clearly shown.

Contact:
Ian Johnstone
Secretary
Association of Black Cab Drivers

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