Knowsley taxi drivers jubilant at Hackney Carriage approval of E7 taxi

Taxi drivers operating in Knowsley are celebrated yesterday (28th August 2008) at the decision of its local Licensing Committee to approve the E7 taxi as a Hackney Carriage within the borough. The move was backed by local taxi operators and trade groups including the Knowsley branch of the Unite Union.

With immediate effect, Knowsley Taxi Drivers can purchase the popular diesel Peugeot E7 taxi and first deliveries are expected within the next three to four weeks.

For drivers, the Peugeot E7 taxi offers a significant improvement in the working environment compared to other models currently available. Standard equipment includes driver and passenger airbags, a spacious cab area and a fully adjustable seat and steering column. Considering the amount of time drivers spend behind the wheel of their cab, such equipment can drastically improve their working conditions.

Using the latest diesel engine technology from Peugeot, the E7 is also more efficient than other ‘black cabs ‘on the market. Increased fuel economy will reduce running costs for drivers and lower CO2 emissions, coupled with a diesel particulate filter, could assist in improving air quality within areas using the cab.

Gerry Roberts, a Knowsley cabbie said, “The ruling is a giant step forward in improving the working conditions for drivers in the area. My current cab offers only a seatbelt for protection in an accident and the cab area is quite small and basic. We have waited so long for the approval of the E7, I have ordered mine already and am hoping to be driving around in it by the end of September.”

Paul Naulty, Chairman of All Black Cabs, the largest operator of Hackney Carriages in Knowsley also said, “For our drivers the campaign has been all about choice. Until now there has been no option to use a different vehicle within the area, and the majority of our drivers felt this was unfair. They are now looking forward to comparing the new E7 with other models when the time comes to replace their current vehicle. “

The action was also supported by Knowsley Disability Concern, who cited a breach of the council’s duty under the Disability Discrimination Act.

The decision in Knowsley follows hot on the heels of a judicial review test case against Liverpool City Council, backed by the Liverpool Wheelchair Users Group (LWUG) at the High Court. THE LWUG claimed that refusing the use of the E7 taxi was an act of discrimination.