Taxi men sign up in war on new tests

The Private Hire Association of Blackburn and Darwen say firms will be forced to close or double fares to stay in business if new licence conditions are approved at the public protection sub-committee tomorrow. The association has presented the petition to Blackburn with Darwen Council. The council wants to introduce measures including weekly maintenance checks in an attempt to increase passenger safety.

The association said the moves were unnecessary and would not improve "excellent" existing safety measures for passengers.

Tariq Mahmood, owner of Intack Private Hire, Blackburn, said: "Drivers are already struggling to make ends meet.

These measures will put so much extra cost on the drivers that they will be forced into a position of doubling fares or leaving their jobs. We don't want customers to suffer."

Rehemat Chowdry, manager of M & M Private Hire, Blackburn, said: "We have always ensured the passengers are happy with the safety of our cars.

"Manchester private hire firms have just one MoT test a year and this is enough for the citizens."

Nigel King, manager of Silverline, Blackburn, added: "Cars have to be taken to the council's garage and re-tests are £42. These measures are simply making profit for the council."

More than half of all private hire vehicles had to be taken off the road after a recent random stop check by police. Five of the vehicles stopped had already been served police prohibition notices, meaning their cars were no longer roadworthy.

A council spokeswoman said: "It is the council's duty to ensure the safety of members of the public while travelling in private hire vehicles.

"Proprietors of vehicles are asked to keep a weekly maintenance check record which they can use as proof of maintenance when stopped by police."

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