HACKNEY carriage drivers in Preston are calling on the council to establish more vehicle testing facilities.

Drivers in the area can only get a compliance certificate from Preston Bus, compared to South Ribble drivers who have a choice of 20 testing stations.

Penwortham hackney carriage driver John Close said: "We don't want testing taken away from Preston Bus, neither are we looking for cheaper or less stringent testing. We want the option of other centres."

John organised a petition, signed by more than 70 cab owners, handed in at a meeting of the environmental protection and licensing committee last Thursday (August 2). The committee has addressed the matter in a report which states: "One testing station is preferable as it should mean all tests are impartial and consistent. As Preston Bus Ltd is a testing station only, there can be no question of 'finding faults' in order to produce repair work."

Other reasons to support a single testing site are that it would be easier to monitor 'spot checks' if the police direct vehicles there, and it is easier for the council to monitor vehicle licenses.

Mike Thorpe, senior officer for the committee, said: "We accept that drivers want extra flexibility. But drivers tend to leave things to the last minute which is why they may find it hard to get an appointment at short notice." He said the council plans to investigate three sites, before presenting findings at a meeting on September 27, including the ambulance headquarters at Broughton, police headquarters at Hutton and the Ministry of Transport's MOT centre in Kirkham.

Jeff Ward, secretary of Preston Hackney Carriage Association, said: "There should be greater choice and time availability. I wouldn't want too many centres or lessening of standards, but I have signed the petition"