Taxi drivers see red as Council see green

BOROUGH taxi drivers have vowed to fight proposals by Thurrock Council which they say could put them out of business.

The plans state that all Hackney Carriage privately owned and company vehicles will be required to be all white with green bonnets and boot panels.

If the plans are approved the new ruling could come into force early in the new year.

The letter was sent out to all licence holders and stated: "Hackney carriage vehicles will at all times be coloured white with green bonnet and boot panels, suitably sprayed to a high quality finish."

But secretary of Thurrock Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, John 0’Donoghue, said the association will strongly oppose the proposals before the consultation deadline of October 8.

He said: "This is bureucracy gone mad. How dare they dictate the colour of our privately owned and company vehicles and expect us to pick up the bill.

"With the country in recession we have a credit crunch and recent fuel price hikes to contend with, the last thing our members need is to be burdened with extra costs.

"I fear this will lead to job losses for owners and small businesses in Thurrock."

Thurrock Council spokeswoman, Antonia Taffe, said: "The Matter is going to Committee on October 22 and nothing has yet been decided.

"The report to the Committee will enclose not only the recommendations, but all the written responses received and notes of a meeting with the major operators (circuits) in the District.

"An original response was received from the Drivers' Association applauding the changes, but suggesting a different colour scheme.

"The Council has not demanded any change in the colour of taxis as the proposals have not yet been considered by the Committee.

"If agreed by the Committee, any change to the colour of hackney carriages will be phased in, as and when individual vehicles fall to be replaced.

"There will be no sudden, overnight change."