01/04/2020
The bustling streets of Blackburn with Darwen rely heavily on a robust taxi service, providing vital transport for residents and visitors alike. However, beneath the surface of everyday commutes, a significant dispute is brewing that casts a long shadow over the profitability and future of the local taxi industry. Drivers, encompassing both hackney carriage and private hire vehicles, are at loggerheads with the council over the mandatory vehicle inspection regime, arguing that the current system is an unfair monopoly that severely impacts their already strained finances.
This contentious issue centres on the council's insistence that all taxi vehicle checks are conducted exclusively at its Motor Vehicle Service Station (MVSS) at Davyfield Depot. Drivers, on the other hand, are demanding the option to use private garages for these essential checks, citing prohibitive costs and a lack of choice. This standoff has escalated to the point where 1,100 drivers are threatening a series of disruptive strikes throughout December, highlighting the depth of their frustration and the precarious nature of their livelihoods.
The Core of the Dispute: Cost vs. Consistency
At the heart of the disagreement lies a fundamental difference in perspective. For the council, represented by environment boss Cllr Jim Smith, the primary concern is public safety and maintaining a consistent standard of vehicle roadworthiness. He firmly believes that having a single testing centre ensures uniformity and builds public trust. His argument is bolstered by concerning statistics: a significant 70 per cent of the borough's taxi fleet is over 10 years old, and a staggering 72 per cent fail their initial test. This, Cllr Smith suggests, indicates that many vehicles are not fit for purpose in the days leading up to their inspection, reinforcing the need for stringent, centralised checks.
Conversely, the drivers, vocally supported by Conservative councillor and taxi driver Altaf 'Tiger' Patel, view the council's stance as an unnecessary financial burden. Cllr Patel, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, laments that the taxi business is "not very profitable in the current climate" and asserts that Blackburn with Darwen's MOT test charges are "amongst the highest in Lancashire." Drivers feel trapped by this perceived monopoly, arguing that it removes their ability to shop around for more competitive prices and potentially quicker service, which is crucial for minimising vehicle downtime and lost earnings.
The Financial Squeeze on Taxi Drivers
The profitability of being a taxi driver in the UK, especially in smaller towns and cities, has been a growing concern for years. Drivers face a multitude of expenses that constantly chip away at their earnings. These include, but are not limited to:
- Fuel Costs: Volatile and often high fuel prices represent a significant daily outlay.
- Insurance: Specialist public hire insurance can be considerably more expensive than standard private vehicle insurance.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Depreciation: Taxis accumulate high mileage quickly, leading to increased wear and tear, and faster depreciation of the vehicle's value.
- Licensing Fees: Annual fees for both the driver and the vehicle license issued by the local authority.
- Vehicle Purchase/Lease Costs: The initial investment in a suitable vehicle.
- MOT and Council-Specific Tests: The mandatory annual safety checks, which are the current flashpoint in Blackburn with Darwen.
- Tyres and Consumables: Regular replacement due to high usage.
- Downtime: Any period a vehicle is off the road for maintenance, repairs, or re-testing means no income is being generated.
When drivers state that the business is "not very profitable," they are often referring to the shrinking net income after all these substantial costs are factored in. The high MOT test charges, combined with the potential need for costly repairs if a vehicle fails, represent a significant and unavoidable expense that, from the drivers' perspective, is exacerbated by the lack of alternative testing centres.
The Impending Strikes: A Calendar of Disruption
To press their demands, the 1,100 drivers of Blackburn with Darwen are prepared to take direct action. A series of four strikes is planned for Mondays in December, strategically chosen to maximise impact while perhaps minimising the initial blow to their own earnings. The planned action includes:
- December 5th: A three-hour stoppage from 9 am to noon.
- December 12th: An extended five-hour stoppage from 9 am to 2 pm.
- December 19th: An eight-hour strike from 9 am until 5 pm.
- December 26th (Boxing Day): If the dispute remains unresolved, drivers will stage a full-day walkout.
Cllr Smith has expressed regret over the potential for these strikes, acknowledging they would be "a shame and very regrettable." He has reiterated the council's willingness to talk but maintains that they "cannot compromise on safety." The full-day strike on Boxing Day, a traditionally busy and lucrative day for taxi drivers, underscores the depth of their frustration and commitment to their cause. It signifies a willingness to sacrifice significant earnings to highlight their grievances, a clear indication of how dire they perceive their financial situation to be.
Comparing Testing Regimes: Council Monopoly vs. Open Market
The debate in Blackburn with Darwen touches upon a broader discussion within the UK taxi licensing landscape: whether local authorities should maintain a monopoly on vehicle testing or allow drivers more choice. Below is a conceptual comparison of the pros and cons of each model, from the perspective of both the council and the drivers:
| Feature | Council-Run Monopoly (e.g., Blackburn with Darwen) | Private/Mixed Approved Centres (e.g., Other Towns) |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency of Standards | High, as all tests follow the same internal protocol and equipment. | Potentially varied, but regulated by DVSA and council oversight. |
| Public Safety Oversight | Direct control and immediate data on fleet condition. | Relies on robust approval processes and regular auditing of private centres. |
| Cost to Drivers | Often perceived as higher due to lack of competition; no choice for cheaper options. | Potential for competitive pricing among multiple providers; drivers can choose based on cost and service. |
| Convenience/Speed | Limited appointment slots, potential for longer waits; less flexibility. | More options for booking, potentially quicker turnaround times. |
| Transparency | Council controls all data and processes; less external scrutiny on pricing. | Greater transparency through market competition and varied options. |
| Revenue Generation (Council) | Direct revenue from test fees. | No direct revenue from tests, but council still incurs costs for licensing and oversight. |
| Driver Sentiment | Often negative; feeling of being exploited or having limited choice. | Generally positive; feeling of empowerment and fair treatment. |
As Cllr Patel pointed out, some other local towns successfully operate with a mix of council and independent approved MOT centres, or even solely independent ones. This suggests that alternative models exist that can still uphold safety standards while offering drivers more flexibility and potentially lower costs. The high failure rate cited by Cllr Smith could also be interpreted in different ways; drivers might argue that if private garages were also approved, they might take their vehicles for pre-checks or maintenance more regularly, leading to fewer failures, or that the current test is overly stringent compared to a standard MOT.
Understanding Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles
It's important to distinguish between the two types of taxis involved in this dispute:
- Hackney Carriages (Black Cabs): These are traditional taxis that can be hailed directly on the street, at taxi ranks, or pre-booked. They are typically regulated more strictly and have specific vehicle requirements (e.g., 'black cab' style, although this varies by area).
- Private Hire Vehicles (Minicabs): These vehicles must be pre-booked through a licensed operator and cannot be hailed on the street. They often resemble regular cars and are typically less regulated in terms of vehicle appearance, but still subject to strict safety checks.
Both types of drivers in Blackburn with Darwen are united in their stance, highlighting that the issue affects the entire local taxi industry, regardless of their specific operating model. This collective action demonstrates the severe pressure they feel from the current testing regime.
The Way Forward: Balancing Act for Sustainability
The situation in Blackburn with Darwen is a microcosm of the challenges faced by the taxi industry across the UK. Local authorities are tasked with ensuring public safety and maintaining high standards, while drivers are battling escalating operational costs and the need for a viable income. Finding a resolution requires a delicate balancing act.
Possible avenues for resolution could include:
- Open Dialogue and Negotiation: Continued discussions between the council and driver representatives to explore compromises.
- Independent Review of Costs: An independent audit of the council's MVSS charges compared to market rates for similar tests.
- Phased Introduction of Private Options: Gradually allowing a select number of approved private garages to conduct tests under strict council oversight, perhaps as a trial.
- Financial Support or Subsidies: Exploring whether any local or national schemes could offer financial relief to drivers for mandatory tests.
- Educational Campaigns: For drivers, on how to better maintain vehicles to reduce failure rates; for the public, on the importance of safety checks.
The taxi industry is a vital part of the local economy and community infrastructure. Without a profitable and sustainable model, the quality and availability of these essential services could decline, impacting residents, businesses, and tourism. The current dispute in Blackburn with Darwen serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing pressures faced by those who keep our towns moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the taxi business profitable in Blackburn with Darwen?
A: According to local taxi drivers and Cllr Altaf 'Tiger' Patel, the taxi business in Blackburn with Darwen is currently "not very profitable." Drivers face high operational costs, including what they claim are among the highest MOT test charges in Lancashire due to the council's monopoly on vehicle inspections, which significantly impacts their earnings.
Q: Why are taxi drivers in Blackburn with Darwen striking?
A: Drivers are striking to protest the Blackburn with Darwen Council's policy of insisting all taxi vehicle MOT tests are conducted exclusively at the council's Motor Vehicle Service Station (MVSS). They want the option to use private, approved garages, arguing that the current system is too expensive and restricts their choice.
Q: What is the council's position on taxi vehicle testing?
A: The council, represented by Cllr Jim Smith, maintains that having one central testing facility at MVSS ensures consistent safety standards and protects the public. They point to a high failure rate (72%) among the predominantly older fleet (70% over 10 years old) as evidence for the need for stringent, centralised checks.
Q: How do high MOT costs affect taxi drivers' profitability?
A: High MOT costs, especially when combined with potential re-test fees and repair costs for failed vehicles, represent a significant overhead for drivers. These costs reduce their net income and can lead to vehicle downtime, meaning lost earnings. Drivers argue that having more choice in testing centres could lead to more competitive pricing and better value.
Q: What are the planned strike dates and times?
A: The planned strikes are for four Mondays in December: December 5th (9 am-noon), December 12th (9 am-2 pm), December 19th (9 am-5 pm), and a full-day strike on Boxing Day, December 26th, if the dispute remains unresolved.
Q: What is the difference between a hackney carriage and a private hire vehicle?
A: A hackney carriage (often a traditional black cab) can be hailed on the street or at a taxi rank. A private hire vehicle (minicab) must be pre-booked through a licensed operator and cannot be hailed directly from the street. Both types of drivers in Blackburn with Darwen are involved in the dispute over testing costs.
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