CABBIES packed into the public gallery in the Legislative Buildings applauded as Tynwald voted to adjourn a debate on moves to reform the Island's taxi industry.
The 2001 Road Transport Act aims to bring more competition by removing government controls on the issuing of ply for hire taxi licences and replacing the current taxi districts with an all-Island system of licensing.

Watched by some 50 cabbies and their families in the public gallery, Transport Minister David Anderson argued that temporary provisions of the act brought in to give the taxi trade a 'breathing space' had created an artificial 'black market' value in taxi plates that have been sold in Douglas for in excess of £40,000.

But Brenda Cannell (Douglas East) accused the minister of failing to consult with the cabbies and claimed he had chosen to ignore the results of a Department of Transport-commissioned survey that concluded there was no unmet need for taxis in the Island.

Proposing an amendment to adjourn the debate until December to allow 'meaningful' talks, newly elected MLC David Callister said: 'I've never seen so many people in the public gallery in Tynwald. These are people who fear for their livelihoods.'

There was a round of applause from the taxi drivers as Mr Callister's amendment carried by 22 to one votes in the House of Keys and 6-2 in the Legislative Council.

http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/Cabbies-applaud-taxi-reform-delay.4107069.jp