Testing times facing cabbies

Les Ridley, of ABCA Taxis in South Street, said Adur District Council's proposals were designed only to get more money out of taxi drivers.

Mr Ridley told the Herald: "Once again, this is something to take more money out of taxi drivers. I think this is a total waste of money. It's just another Big Brother thing."

Adur Council is asking for people's opinions on the idea.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has designed the test for licensed taxi drivers. The test includes the practices and manoeuvres that professional drivers are likely to use.

The DSA say 45 local authorities have adopted the test. The pass rate for 2003/2004 was 50 per cent and the test cost 48.85 for private hire and hackney carriage drivers and 57 for wheelchair accessible vehicles.

If the policy is agreed, then taxi-drivers will be required to take the test to prove they are a "fit and proper" person to hold a taxi licence.

The council will also have to decide whether it will apply to new drivers or existing drivers, many of whom have been driving for 25 years or more in certain circumstances.

The council wants to hear the views of those affected, licensed drivers, their passengers and the public. Send these to Bill Nailen, licensing officer, Civic Centre, Ham Road, Shoreham, or e-mail [email protected] The closing date for comments is June 6.