People are being asked for their views on deregulation of taxi services as part of a city wide consultation exercise.

City of York Council is asking residents and visitors for their views on whether to continue to restrict the number of taxis within the city - the council currently limits the number of hackney carriages (those taxis that can pick up at ranks or can be hailed in the street) in the city to 158.

Dick Haswell, City of York Council's licensing manager, said: "Removing this restriction would stop the trade in licensing plates - some taxi licences are changing hands for up to £60,000. But complete deregulation could badly hit existing driver's income."

Restricting the number of taxis would not affect the fares charged as these are set by the council.

The pros and cons of deregulation are outlined on the City of York Council's web site where people can also log their comments.

"We have to look at all the options," said Mr Haswell. "If we go for deregulation, more taxis will be available at peak times and there will be fewer taxi queues. It will also allow more people and businesses to come into the city to boost trade. However, it may also increase traffic congestion and pollution in the city and there could be more pressure on taxi rank spaces, leading to possible overcrowding and parking difficulties."

City of York Council has already consulted with the York Taxi and Private Hire Association and taxi suppliers. It now wants to hear from York residents and visitors on whether to continue to restrict the numbers of taxis, or to deregulate.

To contribute to the consultation, you can visit the council's web site on www.york.gov.uk/consultation or write to the council's licensing team.

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