FURIOUS taxi drivers staged a demo at Blackburn Town Hall last night.

The were protesting against council plans to introduce tougher safety measures which, they claim, could force them out of business.

But council bosses forged ahead with the move to increase the cost of MOT-style tests from £30 to £40 with older cars now facing up to three tests per year.

Angry drivers and operators claim the increases could force them out of business and lead to increased charges.

Around 150 drivers lobbied councillors before a full Blackburn Council meeting and Conservatives spoke out against the new regulations.

Tory Maureen McGarvey said: "We are not opposed to the taxis being tested more because we have to protect the safety of the public.

"We are opposed to increases in test fees and the reduction in the time allowed for retests."

She added: "If we increase these charges, the cost will be passed on to the public.

"A lot of the drivers are already existing on poor pay and we could end up putting people out of work."

Licensing chairman Mike Madigan said: "It is becoming increasingly apparent that we will have to take some sort of action because there are a number of cabs on the road that are in an appalling condition.

"The vast majority of private hire and black cab operators in this town have good records but some are simply appalling.

"The Labour Party will not compromise on public safety. The police are also expressing concern about the situation and if the taxi trade will not regulate itself, we will have to take some action."

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