Hackney Carriage drivers in South Ribble were so incensed when a previous request for an increase was turned down that they demanded that the council reconsider, claiming petitions taken into consideration had been rigged.

Cabbies told licensing officers that they had been forced to sign up to the protest letters, organised by Leyland Taxis and Avacab, and anyone "openly supporting" the increase would face the sack.

And in a secret ballot arranged by the council, drivers voted 5-1 in favour of the increase.

But Phil Briggs, manager of Leyland Taxis, rubbished the claims. He told the Evening Post: "This is the first I have heard of the allegations. That petition was for the staff and customers who wanted to sign it. They weren't forced to. It was the independent drivers who wanted an increase and they will continue to call for a rise until they get one."

He added that none of his drivers could be "sacked" for supporting an increase as they were all self-employed.

If the move is given the go ahead, the initial "flag drop" will rise to £2.10 and cover the first eighth of a mile. Each additional 220 yards will cost 20p.

For the full story see Tuesday's Lancashire Evening Post.

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