Eastbourne operators backed by local MP in call for new taxi trade consultation

Eastbourne taxi operators are calling for a new consultation into taxi policies in the south coast town, The calls are backed by Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell, who has recently conducted an online survey of Eastbourne residents which showed that more than half the respondents were having to wait for more than an hour for a taxi due to driver shortages.

The MP hopes to bring the council’s licensing department and taxi drivers together to try and ensure more taxis are on the roads.

Ansell said: “I want to urge the borough council to recognise the loss of taxi drivers is a huge blow to residents and visitors alike and it is potentially putting people in danger late at night.

She added: “It is crucial a new consultation is launched so that everyone can have their say on what is a good way forward that keeps people safe in the cars and allows them to be safe by actually being able to call a cab when they need one late at night or to go to a hospital appointment.”

She continued: “The consultation can also ask to better understand the roll out of CCTV to find a proper evidence base and impact assessment of this decision, especially when other local councils are not implementing it.”

Jeff Defalco, representative from the Eastbourne Taxi Operators, said: “Lewes Council has announced that the mandatory CCTV licence condition is returning to full public consultation, along with muchneeded changes to testing to enable the trade to attract drivers and bring Lewes in line with other progressive authorities around the country. We, the Eastbourne taxi/private hire operators, would kindly request the same be afforded to Eastbourne by the council.”