MORE TAXIS could soon be on the streets of Blackburn and Darwen if councillors give the go-ahead to issue more licences.

A survey has shown demand for extra taxis in the borough, the licensing committee will hear on Thursday.

The borough has 58 hackney licences and a waiting list of 69, all of whom are prepared to provide wheelchair-accessible London-style black cabs.

The situation was last reviewed 10 years ago when numbers were increased from 38 to 58.

A report to councillors says a survey carried out last year looked at the number of vehicles waiting at ranks and the time passengers spent waiting, and found there was 'significant unmet demand' for taxis.

Councillors have three options: to do nothing; to remove limits on the number of hackney licences, or to increase licences by a fixed number.

The unlimited option would eliminate the trade sale in license plates, says the report, but it could upset licence holders who may see it as a potential loss of income, says the report.

The current system allows licensed taxis to be sold at a value greater than that of the vehicle.

Trade in licence plates would be reduced, but not altogether eliminated by the option to increase by a fixed number.

Both increase options would help reduce problems with illegal plying for hire and make more taxis available for the public, adds the report.

It goes on to recommend councillors support the limited increase option and review the matter after 12 months.

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