TAXI drivers took their “fight for fairness” to Cheltenham Borough Council‘s doorstep in a go-slow protest yesterday.
Twenty-five drivers, supported by scores of supporters who turned up on foot, handed over a petition urging licensing bosses not to impose new EU rules on carbon emissions. Drivers like Rob Cowie say the changes could cost him his job.The 47-year-old cabbie, from Cheltenham, said: “I’ve been driving for 18 years and my car is nine years old. “If I can’t use my car, I’ll have to go on the dole. What else am I supposed to do?” The European regulation, known as the Euro IV test, limits levels of emissions of nitrogen oxides and particles.Drivers say the borough council is planning to force them to stop using vehicles older than five years and drive newer models. The regulations could be brought in by the end of the year. Yesterday morning, taxi drivers gathered at Cheltenham Racecourse ahead of the go-slow. At midday they set off, led by a police car and two police motorcycle outriders.They followed a route along Evesham Road, Portland Street, on to Clarence Street and Royal Well Road before heading along the Promenade and ending at the Municipal Offices………Original source here:
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