Taxi drivers set to start city blockade

They are protesting against 11th hour changes to rules governing private hire vehicles, made by licensing panel members last week.

A mass meeting will take place in the city in the morning, before the protest begins.

"We have told the police what we are going to be doing and we are working hard to stay within the law," said Clive Johnson, the chairman of the Southampton Taxi and Private Hire Association (STAPH).

"This is just the start - at the meeting we will decide where and when to mount our protest."

In April last year, around 50 taxi drivers blockaded the city centre to demonstrate against cabs from Eastleigh operating in Southampton. The following month they went on to protest outside the civic centre while the annual mayor-making ceremony was taking place.

Now STAPH members are incensed that licensing councillors made a last-minute decision to allow advertising on cars - despite the opposition by the majority of the trade.

They claim the move will result in confusion for users as they will not be able to distinguish taxis from private hire vehicles.

On Saturday, all taxis and private hire vehicles backing the fight against the council will withdraw from the city's streets at 11pm.

"We will continue to do our emergency blood runs and contract work - but we will not be available for the public," he said.

But Dusty Miller, proprietor of the Phipps Group, which includes the city's West Quay Cars, said Mr Johnson did not represent the views of all the Southampton taxi trade.

He claimed the taxi and private hire business in the city had operated as a closed shop, but said the new rules - known as The Package - would create a level playing field for all operators.

"I welcome the decision of the licensing panel.

"It was a brave decision - they knew it would create a backlash, but this time they have faced up to it.

"Over the next 12 months a lot more professionalism will come into the trade in the city," he said.