Taxi Drivers Protest with Rolling Blockade in Shrewsbury
Taxi drivers in Shrewsbury have protested with a rolling blockade around the town centre.
The protest which left Abbey Foregate at 1pm on Friday was in response to the news of a proposed shake-up of the Shropshire taxi rate card for Hackney Carriages.
Shropshire Council plan to remove the current five zone structure of Shrewsbury, North Shropshire, South Shropshire, Oswestry and Bridgnorth and replace it with just one zone.
Drivers claim that fares in Shrewsbury will dramatically increase if the plans go-ahead, as prices are increased by 27% or more on fares.
Proposals made by Shropshire Council also include the use of normal cars as Hackney carriages rather than the traditional iconic black vehicle.
Shropshire Council's Strategic Licensing Committee met on 15 December to discus the changes. A consultation is taking place until 31 January.
Responses made by taxi drivers were handed in at the Shirehall following the protest.
