Huhne Calls for More and Better Cabs

2.50.01pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 1st Apr 2005

Chris Huhne - a regular user of cabs of parkway station

Commenting on the protest by Eastleigh cab drivers about the prospect of deregulating the trade, Hampshire MEP Chris Huhne who is the Liberal Democrats candidate for Eastleigh said:

"The Office of Fair Trading has asked all local authorities to deregulate or explain clearly why not, and this is a good opportunity for the borough to assess whether our existing scheme is working in the best interests of users of taxis as well as cabbies. I look forward to seeing what the consultation process comes up with.

"I have had to wait for a cab to my home in Dutton Lane from Southampton Airport Parkway, so I am in favour of more and better Eastleigh cabs. I am surprised that the Conservative candidate is taking such an anti-free market view and wants to keep as much red tape as possible to stop people competing with existing cabbies.

"However, I back the cabbies on two things. First, there ought to be more taxi ranks around the borough so that they can increase trade. And secondly, any changes should only be introduced gradually so that cabbies who have paid for their plate do not lose out".