Blackpool taxi drivers in plea for help as they warn of lockdown hardship

The Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operators Association (BLTOA) is asking for licensing fees to be reduced or refunded and for drivers to be given grants to cover their loss of earnings.

A BLTOA spokesperson said: “Blackpool taxis are a major stakeholder within the town’s public transport system and the council licenses over 1,200 personnel transporting hundreds of thousands of passengers throughout the year.

“Blackpool Council are supporting other public transport systems within the town, but unfortunately the taxi trade has so far not received assistance.

“The Government has provided significant financial support for the council to pass onto local businesses.”

BLTOA is seeking an immediate reduction for all associated licensing fees by at least 70 per cent for the next six months and a full refund of the Vehicle Licence Fee (£150) for the financial Year April 2020 to April 2021.

It also wants the council to use Government funding it has received to support local businesses to pay grants to drivers to cover the next six months loss of earnings.

BLTOA says many drivers are self employed and have missed out on government assistance.

The spokesperson added: “All we are asking is for some support to ensure after the Covid issues, the trade can still generate incomes for hundreds of families living in Blackpool, and help generate and assist the tourist trade which brings substantial amounts of money to Blackpool.”

A letter sent by the association to Blackpool Council chief executive Neil Jack says taxi drivers play a substantial role in the resort’s tourism economy.

It says: “To maintain Blackpool’s taxi fleet throughout this financially challenging period, and ensure taxi drivers can continue to pay their utility bills and support their families, Blackpool Council is requested to play their part and deliver assistance as outlined above.

“Without this support, many drivers will move into financial hardship and consequently, end up dependent on the welfare system for the long term.”

The council's chairman of licensing Coun Adrian Hutton said he could not comment on the request at this stage.

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