Agents ban in Dudley 'would cripple taxi trade'

Some private hire taxi firms in Dudley borough have been employing the agents – who stand outside pubs and nightclubs to secure business – mainly on Friday and Saturday nights.

But police have warned the practice cannot continue as it stands, as the rivalry between two firms has sparked an ongoing criminal investigation.

As it stands the agents are not allowed to 'tout' for business by approaching potential customers – customers must approach them.

But other firms and some hackney carriage drivers have claimed the move puts them at a disadvantage and urged Dudley Council to investigate.

The row was sparked by the use of agents by Castle Cars in King Street, Dudley, outside pubs and clubs including rock music venue Rock Zombie.

Rival firm Triple 20 Taxis say the council should intervene to stop the practice – sparking a lively debate at Wednesday night's Dudley Council taxi committee.

Council officers tabled two options to the committee – either banning the practice just in Dudley town centre or alternatively across the borough.

But Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association chairman, Shaz Saleem, urged the council rethink the potential ban, saying it would hit enterprising firms.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Saleem, who is managing director of Beacon Taxis, in Sedgley, said: "Businesses are struggling out there.

"They are thinking of new initiatives to take their business forward. This (taxi booking agents) is one of these initiatives.

"It would be crippling the businesses - you (the council) cripple these businesses if you are stop them from using new initiatives to keep their businesses going."

He tabled another suggestion asking the council to instead control and monitor taxi booking agents.

Superintendant Andy Parsons, from Dudley Police, said there had been 'friction' between rival firms and drivers in King Street.

"The reality of the situation is the current arrangement is generating crime. The current arrangement is not sustainable in its current format," he told the committee.

"Since the last committee meeting there has been a further reported crime in relation to this current agent situation between the two taxi companies. There is a live ongoing investigation."

Committee member Councillor Jackie Cowell asked if an independent taxi marshal scheme, used in Stourbridge town centre over Christmas could be introduced.

But committee chairman, Councillor Richard Body, said their was no funding available for the scheme - with costs usually met by the council, police and other organisations.

The committee voted to defer their decision to evaluate further options.