Concerns over private hire taxi kiosk plans

10:51am Saturday 19th July 2008

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A "taxi war" in Richmond has been avoided but a band of black cab drivers believe battle could still break out.

Licensed black cab drivers were angry after they discovered a proposal for a private hire kiosk in Richmond rail station was being considered by officials.

Although Richmond Council's planning board refused the plan "based on free-flow of traffic, highway and pedestrian safety grounds," cabbies still fear the idea may become a reality.

Driver Mike Saward said: "It's not really over because the applicant has up to six months to appeal.

"I would not say we have won anything but common sense has prevailed at the moment."

The proposal was for a kiosk inside and a single space outside the station, offering alternative taxi services.

Colin Jackson, who has run his black cab out of Richmond for several years, said locating the minicabs in front of those of his and his colleagues "could well spark a taxi war".

He believed the council should only consider schemes that better served residents rather than the binge-drinkers who tended to come in from surrounding areas.