Taxi numbers unchanged in Perth

Jan 28 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A LEADING Perth taxi operator has welcomed a decision to retain the current cap on cabs operating in the area.

Last year, local businessman Derek Petterson teamed up with several operators to express fears that local authority officials were steering councillors towards deregulating taxis in the Fair City.

They warned a free-for-all would have a detrimental impact on standards and rein-in investment in the trade.

But yesterday, commenting in the wake of a unanimous licensing committee decision to maintain the status quo, Mr Petterson said: “I would like to thank all those who took an active role in the year-long consultation undertaken by Perth and Kinross Council regarding the limiting of taxi numbers in the Perth area.

“Those from the trade who participated in the consultation either by attending a public meeting, arranging private meetings or by submitting written representation did so superbly and ensured that the council took the decision to continue with their practice of limiting taxi numbers.

“This vote of confidence for the trade was all the more satisfying due to the council’s initial proposal to de-restrict taxi numbers.”

Mr Petterson, who is the managing director of Perthshire Glazing Company, said that trade representations played no small part in preventing a controversial U-turn by the local authority.

He maintained that limiting taxi numbers was best for not just the trade but for passengers.

“I also commend and thank those from within the council and beyond who worked closely with the trade during the consultation period and for the way in which they conducted meetings, discussions and communications.

“The decision gives the trade the certainty it needs in these uncertain times and brings to an end a period of great concern for everyone involved.

“But we can’t rest on our laurels. There are areas for the trade to improve on – and improve we will, by working collectively and working closely with the council in the years ahead to keep standards high and deliver the best service possible to the people of Perth and visitors.”

Perth City Centre councillor Heather Stewart praised those involved in the long-running consultation process.

“There has been some soul searching on both sides of this argument but I am delighted that the recommendations promote the status quo at this time,” she said.

Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham said she had been convinced by the arguments for retaining the existing service as put forward by local cabbies.

“Research showed that there was no unmet taxi provision in Perth to justify deregulation and removal of the cap on numbers,” she added.

“Rather, it would have resulted in overcrowded ranks and made it harder for existing taxi drivers to make a living.”