Cabbies protest against changes to the industry (From Warrington Guardian)

Cabbies protest against changes to the industry

TAXI drivers in Warrington travelled to Liverpool on Tuesday to demonstrate against more cabs being put on the streets.

Members of the Transport and General Workers Union say that deregulation would bring more competition into the industry without benefiting passengers and drivers.

The action comes following an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) report, which made recommendations about ways to provide the best deal for passengers.

But local authorities have the choice about whether to implement any changes or not.

Bruno Bielizna, chairman of Warrington Taxi Drivers' Association, said: "We do not want deregulation and petitions will be going before the Houses of Parliament."

Taxi drivers took part in slow drives across the country, and the OFT office in London was picketed.

Warrington Borough Council has met with hackney cab drivers to discuss the proposals, which are going through a consultation process.