A CAB driver fears plans to scrap the limit on taxi’s in Chester city centre could have an affect on Ellesmere Port.
Gary Woodward is worried that if the city council enforces the policy it will also be introduced in the town when the unitary authority comes into operation.
He says he would quit his job if that proves to be the case as he believes delimiting the number of cabs would create “chaos” and a “free-for-all”.
On Thursday, all 77 cab drivers in Chester brought the bus station and Foregate Street to a standstill and are also threatening to bring chaos to the city’s three-day May Festival by creating rolling roadblocks.
The number of taxi’s allowed in Ellesmere Port is currently set at 51.
Gary Woodward, trade representative of Transport & General Workers cabs section Ellesmere Port, said: “If they de- restrict in Chester, once we go unitary it will become a common policy as Vale Royal is already de-restricted.
“It is vital we support the Chester cab drivers. It would be chaos here if de-restriction was enforced. I could see our numbers going from 50 to 150.
“I’d give up rather than work under this policy. It would be a free-for-all. The night service would deteriorate as drivers could choose to work in the day.
“Our restrictions were re-affirmed in March. The trade pays for a survey to be carried out by independent consultants and it found that the public are happy with the service.”
He added: “There were 17 of us from Ellesmere Port who went down for the protest but we couldn’t get into the city centre for most of it as it was total gridlock.
“We will continue to support any action Chester cab drivers decide to take.”
No decision on the restrictions in Chester are expected to be made until July at the earliest.
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