Cabbies win fares rise plea
Cab fares in Leighton Buzzard will increase from October 1, it was decided by Central Befordshire Council’s licensing committee on Wednesday.
Fares are set to rise from £3 for 1,500 yards to £3.20 for 1,300 yards. The current price of 10p for every subsequent 98 yards will be retained.
The fare increase follows a campaign by the boss of a Leighton Buzzard taxi company which was supported by 82 licensed owners or drivers. Fares have not increased since January 2009.
Geoff Thompson, owner of Geoff’s Cars in Jupiter Drive, agreed with the fare rise but said the council had to pay more attention to the quality of service taxi companies were offering to customers.
Mr Thompson said: “I know for a fact there is a bad quality service in the town. It is a condition of the cab driver’s licence to give support to all passengers.
“Some of the passengers struggle a bit with bags and it’s all about giving that additional help and that’s where the council should stamp down.
“It is part of doing the job. Drivers don’t always give people the service they deserve.
“I’m disgusted at the way drivers treat people on the ranks and on the road. I get feedback on how rude they are and in some cases dangerous. I don’t want people to tar me with the same brush.”
“If people have an issue with a taxi, they should refer the complaint to the licensing officer. If I saw any bad service, I would report it.”
Other proposals put forward by Bryan Burgin of Burgins Taxis but not implemented by the council included extending the taxi rank and allowing taxis to use the bus lanes.
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Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
