NINE taxi drivers from the Launceston area and three town councillors met on Tuesday, May 26, to discuss future arrangements for the operation of taxis and private hire vehicles under the new Cornwall Council.

As part of the council's consultation process, Launceston Town Council were asked for their views on the arrangements, and local taxi drivers were asked for their input.

Mayor of Launceston, Cllr Paul O'Brien, who met the taxi drivers along with Cllrs Tony Sandercock and Brian Keighley, said they considered two options — whether taxis should be licenced to work across the whole of Cornwall or whether it should be left in 'zones,' which correspond with the old district council areas.

Launceston Town Council felt that it would be more beneficial to the taxi driver and the passengers if the drivers are licensed to work across the whole of Cornwall, and the taxi drivers were of a similar view.

Currently, if a Launceston taxi driver takes a passenger from Launceston to Bodmin Parkway train station, they cannot pick someone else up from the station and take them to their chosen destination, as that would mean going across different zones.

Taxi drivers would also like to see an increase in the enforcement of legislation, such as passengers needing to take the first taxi at the rank. They are also in favour of all taxis being metered.

Cllr O'Brien said the taxi drivers thought that guidelines that were issued by North Cornwall District Council were sound, and would therefore like to see Cornwall Council adopting them or something similar.

A paper has been drafted, which will go before the full town council at the next meeting on June 16. If it is endorsed, it will then be sent off to Cornwall Council.

A decision is expected to be made by Cornwall Council on the future arrangements by the June 26 deadline