HYNDBURN Council is looking to cut the number of hackney carriage taxis allowed to operate in the borough.

A survey by the council concluded that there was no significant unmet demand for hackney carriages in Hyndburn and that the council should maintain its limit on the issue of hackney carriage vehicle licences.

The survey undertook a wide-ranging review, including a high level of rank observations, discussion with people in the streets, with key stakeholders and with those providing the operating side of the trade.

It found that overall demand for hackney carriages at ranks had reduced by around 33 per cent since 2012.

A report to go before the council’s cabinet meeting next week recommends limiting the number of hackney carriage plates issued in the borough at any one time to 59.

The report detailing the responses to the survey from taxi drivers states: “Of those responding, 89 per cent said the limit policy remained appropriate.

“This was just two respondents who disagreed, one hackney carriage and one private hire (this being someone who focussed on contract work).

“Eighty-three per cent said they felt there were enough hackney carriages licensed. The only dissenters to this view were one private hire and two hackney carriages.

“Some comments were made, two saying there were too many taxis in the area, one pointing out the lack of trade in the area due to closure of many shops, pubs and clubs, one saying there was not enough work to justify more plates, one asking for more space at Union Street, and the final person saying more hackney carriage plates were needed - but not giving any further reason why.”

In a report to cabinet, licensing manager Wendy Peck said: “The survey has concluded that there is no significant unmet demand for hackney carriages in Hyndburn and that the council should maintain its limit on the issue of hackney carriage vehicle licences.

“The number of hackney carriage plates active during the survey was 60 and since the survey has been completed one further plate has been returned.

“Taking into account the outcome of the survey, officers recommend that the council continue to restrict the number of hackney carriage plates issued and that the limit be set at 59 as there is no significant unmet demand that is not being met."

“This should help to promote the quality of the hackney fleet in the interests of customer safety.”