IT’S a case of passenger safety versus taxi drivers’ livelihoods.

Council bosses in Blackburn have a point and anyone who travels in a taxi wants to be satisfied that it’s roadworthy and safe.

There are always people who will let the side down or cut corners but when it comes to public safety, certain standards must be met.

So the council is planning to introduce a penalty scheme where drivers will accrue points if their vehicle fails to meet particular requirements, among other offences.

Drivers will not be penalised financially but it may mean they need to spend more money on repairs, more often, or face losing their licence.

The whole system needs to be approached sensibly. Vehicles are already subject to MOTs but it’s a good idea to have more stringent checks.

However, if the checks result in lots of drivers ending up off the road, Blackburn will be left without a reliable hackney service.

Coupled with the increased costs of licences, drivers could well decide to earn their trade in another borough.

It’s a difficult balancing act but surely it’s time for the council and drivers to come together to ensure the taxis are smart, safe and provide an effective service.