TAXI drivers from Bolton Private Hire Association have spoken out following reports of a planned strike next week.

Some drivers are planning to take action - possibly in the form of a slow drive or a blockade of the town hall – to protest against “unfair” licence revoking.

However, this group say that they will not be striking and wish to negotiate with the council in a "proper" manner.

They say that they were not informed about the industrial action and that the chairman of the association did not consult with them.

A spokesperson from the drivers of the Bolton Private Hire Association said: “We are holding our own meeting to find out what drivers think about the licensing policy.

“We want to negotiate with the council on proper terms. Our main concern is the way in which the council are punishing drivers for minor offences.”

Following the meeting tomorrow, they will meet with leaders of the council on Monday, April 23.

New licensing policy was imposed earlier this year following the child grooming scandals in Rochdale and Rotherham, in which taxi drivers were implicated in child sexual exploitation.

A number of drivers have since had their licence s revoked for previous offences.

The spokesperson said that some of their drivers have been kept off the road for up to six weeks because of previous minor offences.

They said: “This is too harsh. They have families to support and bills to pay.

“Drivers are being taken off the road if they have had previous speeding convictions or have committed road offences.

“Why are we punished twice for one offence?”

They also want to make sure that driver safety is a priority.

They said: “We want to know what the council are doing about safety of drivers.

“Every taxi driver will be assaulted at some point during their career. Every night drivers are being abused.”

Drivers say that they want to be educated or sent on a self-funded learning course instead of having their licences revoked.

They are also calling for CCTV to be installed in all taxis as this would "eliminate all problems".

The spokesperson wished to clarify that they do not condone any kind of sexual abuse and agree that taxi drivers should have licences revoked if they have committed any such offence.

A spokesperson from Bolton Council urges the group to raise their concerns with council leaders at their planned meeting.

The meeting will be held tomorrow evening at 8pm at the Makkah Community Centre on Rushton Lane.