BLACKPOOL taxi-drivers have welcomed a £3-a-fare supplement for Millennium Eve.

The resort's Licensed Taxi-Drivers Association had protested when Blackpool Council, which regulates fares, had originally said normal weekend rates should apply to Millennium Eve.

But yesterday (October 6), the council's executive committee agreed that the association's bid for an extra £3 per fare was reasonable.

Executive member for transport, Coun Roy Fisher, said: "Our opinion is that - bearing in mind bus services finish at 8pm - we want some form of transport available on that evening for reasons of safety, public order and the well-being of the community. If it's only the taxi-trade that's willing to work, then there has to be some sort of premium. The majority of people who're working on that evening are getting extra payments, therefore if we expect taxi-drivers to work for the good of the community we must expect them to be paid a supplement."

Mike Japp, of Blackpool Licensed Taxi-Drivers' Association, said: "Both the public and the taxi-trade should be pleased the council has reconsidered its decision on Millennium Eve fares, thanks to the persistence of the association."

Very few of Blackpool's 1,500 drivers had been prepared to work for normal weekend fares, he said, but a £3 supplement should bring more out. "We didn't ask for more than that because we thought it would be difficult to collect," he explained. "However, anyone who is working that night should be prepared for a very long shift - it's going to be hard to gauge when people will want taxis with the extended pub-licensing hours."

Fylde Borough Council has agreed its taxi-drivers can charge triple the normal rate on Millennium Eve. Wyre Council is likely to make its decision in November.

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