Labour group leader David Norman has revealed his plans to fight a possible rise in the cost of issuing licenses to private hire drivers.
Mr Norman claims that the proposed increase from £260 to £310 for licenses will price many taxi drivers out of the market, particularly in the current economic climate.
Talks are being held today between local taxi drivers and Southend Council over the possible price increase.
Mr Norman told the Echo: “I will be pushing for the council to set up a special committee to look at the plight of taxi drivers.
“We have an excellent service in the town, which is much better than others I have seen across the country.
“They need all the help they can get, and if we do not realise how serious the position is, then there is a danger we could see a major drop in the number of cabbies available for Southend people.
“This is a problem we are going to have to address if we are to preserve a service which is important to the public transport in the town, especially late at night when buses and trains have stopped running.”
Mr Norman added: “Southend has a night time economy and people need taxis so they can get home safely and comfortably.
“I hope the licensing committee will be listening and that the cabinet and council will take note as well.”
