CUSTOMER satisfaction surveys are to be introduced for Blackburn with Darwen's cab and taxi users to make sure they are getting the service they should expect.

Borough licensing chairman Coun Jim Blackburn said the initiative showed the council's commitment to taxi safety. He said: "We hope these new surveys lead to suggestion on how we can improve the taxi trade."

Licensing officers spent most of the festive period out on the streets making sure that taxis picking up fares were licensed to do so and were in a fit state to be on the roads.

Coun Blackburn said: "The forms will be distributed through a variety of means including through firms and the council so we can find out what people really think.

"It is very important to us that we have public transport which is safe and accessible to people."

Recent changes to licence conditions stipulate that all drivers must accept guide dogs in their vehicles for no extra cost.

And extra security measures are being drawn up to make the job safer for drivers, including tracking devices and CCTV cameras.

Coun Blackburn added: "The council takes its responsibility to protect the public very seriously.

"Not only does this mean ensuring the safety of the public travelling in taxis but also the safety of the drivers who may be verbally or physically assaulted by a minority of customers.

"We will continue to introduce safety measures which we hope will improve standards for all."