Horns blare in Wolverhampton as drivers are delayed by go-slow taxi protest

Motorists faced delays when the convoy of around 300 private hire cabs took to the roads at sedate speeds to protest against changes to tests for drivers by Wolverhampton council.

Many drivers were left late and frustrated and some took to Facebook to criticise the protest.

Liam Durnin questioned why the cabbies chose to disrupt commuters, asking: "How about a protest that doesn't involve inconveniencing hard working people who want to get home to their loved ones, or to an appointment?

In a comment liked 47 times, Mr Durnin added: "I am sure that there will be people who miss important doctors/ hospital appointments due to these inconsiderate people. Yes you have an issue, but there are other ways of protesting."

However other users did sympathise with the taxi drivers, who claim the council has made it easier for people to become drivers, lowering the standards needed for new drivers to enter the trade.

The cabbies also claim that the increase in the number of licences issued to new drivers mean there is not enough work to go around.

Phil Martell suggested that the protest was the only way of drawing attention to the plight of overworked and underpaid drivers, who were "just trying to stop their living from being ruined by untrained and unchecked drivers who could be carrying vulnerable people."

Meanwhile some claimed that Wolverhampton council were to blame for the disruption caused by the slow drive.

"The drivers are clearly frustrated, this has got their issues noticed," said Bryn Jones.

"If Wolves council had got their act together this wouldn't of happened. Like so many issues in Wolverhampton; the council is to blame. You can only push so far then people react."

The 'go-slow' protest took place from around 3.30pm yesterday and was condemned by Wolverhampton council.

Councillor Alan Bolshaw, chairman of the city council's licensing committee, said: "We are bitterly disappointed that Wolverhampton Private Hire Drivers Association have chosen this route rather than sitting around the table with us to discuss their concerns.

"They say they are concerned with the number of private hire drivers licenced in the city and claim these concerns are based on public safety grounds.

"I do not believe for a minute that their primary concern is public safety. This protest is about self-interest, they want us to implement restrictive trade practices to limit the amount of drivers able to work and thus limit competition which is not in the interests of customers."

The council says it has worked to reduce licence fees for drivers and cut red tape faced by taxi drivers.

Driver Sandeep Mahay said: "When people get in a taxi they expect a certain standard, and they expect their drivers to speak English. The council have been giving out badges and licences and the more they give out the less work we all have."

Over the years, the council has reduced the licence fee from more than £600 five years ago to £249 today, has changed vehicle conditions and allows private hire drivers to drive in bus lanes.

Driver Richard Francis said: "This is about the erosion of taxi drivers' standards."

Wolverhampton council had tried to negotiate with the drivers just before they set off in convoy. However, organisers deemed the move 'too little to late.'

Raheel Shah, chairman of the Wolverhampton Private Hire Association said: "People do not expect a poor service when they get into a taxi. This is about protecting public safety and making sure that drivers are all able to make a living."