COUNCIL chiefs have agreed to take a second look at the controversial regulations which sparked a town centre protest by taxi drivers.

Town hall leaders believe the move staved off a late night taxi strike but there is still caution about finding a long term solution to the dispute.

Taxi drivers and private hire operators are furious at the number of strict safety tests for their cars. They claim they face much higher licence fees and charges than any other borough and the rule changes are forcing them out of business.

The council increased the number of inspections and tests because of concerns over the condition of many private hire cars and passenger safety.

Hundreds of drivers staged a go-slow protest in Blackburn town centre at the height of rush hour and threatened further action.

But a summit meeting was held amid fears the drivers were set to stage a late night strike. Public protection chairman and council officials were locked in talks with drivers' leaders for more than an hour.

Coun Blackburn said: "We have agreed to take another look at several issues, including the number of MOT tests and charges.

"I do not hold out much hope but the fact that the drivers have not staged another protest or gone on strike is a good sign."

"It should be remembered that the council's first concern will always be passenger safety."

The seven drivers arrested and charged with obstructing the public highway during the town centre protest could face disciplinary action at the town hall.

Blackburn and Darwen Private Hire Association says it is not connected to the dispute. It blames the protest on a breakaway group.

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