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Salford go-slow over delimitation threat

Source: Manchester Evening News

TAXI drivers went on a go-slow to protest at a council’s proposals to shake up the trade.

About 100 black cab and private hire drivers took part in a crawl through Salford streets.

They started at Broadway in Salford Quays, passing through Irlams o’ th’ Height, Swinton and Eccles before finishing outside the Salford council offices at Turnpike House. Black cab drivers are against plans to scrap the limit on the number of Hackney Carriage licences issued by the council.

Instead, they want a `controlled increase’ of licences over the next three years.

They believe the council plans will threaten the livelihoods of the 79 drivers who currently hold black cab licences.

Former black cab driver Dave Evans, of the union Unite, which represents most of the drivers, said: “The reception we got out on the streets was very welcoming. Members of the public were clapping and cheering. Motorists were tooting their horns in support all the way round.”

He added: “We have put forward a tangible counter proposal to increase the fleet by 17 per cent over the next three years and we are more than willing to work towards that.

“We want the council to adopt a similar policy to the one in Manchester, which is a controlled expansion. The proposals put existing jobs under threat. They don’t make sense.”

Salford council believes there is demand for more black cabs in the city.