9:09am Thursday 18th March 2010
SCORES of the town’s taxi drivers will take their cars off the road from 6pm tomorrow.
Bolton Private Hire Association (BPHA) last night revealed that 20 firms are to close for business until 6am on Sunday, because of fears for their safety ahead of a political rally in the town.
The English Defence League, and the opposition Unite Against Fascism, are both holding rallies in the town centre on Saturday.
Drivers are said to be worried that supporters from both sides will start to descend on the town on Friday night.
Sajid Khan, from the BPHA, said: “We are disappointed that we have to take these measures and we do have sympathy for the public of Bolton who rely on our services. But this a safety issue for our drivers and passengers. Saturday is our wage night and we all have families to support but our families would be worried for our safety so we do not want to take the risk.”
Charles Oakes, of the Hackney Drivers Association, said he would be recommending his members supported colleagues from the private hire business.
He said: “I will be writing to them to ask them to support this action. If Saturday passes off peacefully, which we hope it will, I will be the first to apologise the customers who have been inconvenienced.”
More than 200 drivers met to discuss the issue at a meeting on Monday.
They initially said they would shut down for 24 hours from 6am on Saturday, but now, 20 firms have announced they will be closed from 6pm tomorrow until 6am on Sunday.
These are A1, Adams, ACE/ABA, Bradshawgate, Bridge, Bank Street, Cobra, Express, Haslam, Heaton, Lever Cars, Orlando, Pal Cars, Redline, Rapid, S&D, Star Cars, STB, Timewise and United/AAA.
Some drivers from other companies have said they will not be working and other firms may yet follow suit.
l See The Bolton News tomorrow for information about security measures and road closures.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/trade_directory/