SOME cabbies could be driven off the road, it has been claimed, after councillors voted in principle to remove limits on the number of Hackney carriage licences issued in Wyre Forest.

The instruction for Wyre Forest District Council officers to draw up a deregulation plan, which could mean that an unlimited number of taxis are on the roads after 2008, has prompted cabbies in the district to predict job losses and safety problems with rogue drivers.

Responding to councillors' decision to implement all the recommendations of a study by independent traffic consultants, Halcrow, including the immediate issuing of 10 new Hackney carriage licences - taking the total to 93 - Wyre Forest Taxi Drivers Association chairman, Roy Powell, said he feared there would not be enough money to go around.

He added that he would not be renewing his vehicle licence after 25 years and one of his reasons was because of the "uncertain future".

The councillors said they could not limit the number of new licences to 10 for the next three years - despite hearing a plea to do so by the association's secretary, Bob South - because they feared the council could be sued by people seeking an 11th new licence.

Responding to the results of the annual council meeting on Wednesday last week, Mr Powell said trade had already dropped following the independent study on unmet demand being carried out and he predicted a further downward spiral.

He added cabbies had been told that if deregulation occurred, the "market would find its own level" and he believed this would be characterised by drivers being forced out of work.

"The more taxis there are, the less money we can earn so there are going to be casualties," he said.

"We also have a concern about the safety of the public that has been going on for some time, with strange people and strange cars coming on board. At the moment, we know everyone, see everyone and know who's driving what when and that could go out of the window."

He added: "Since Christmas, my takings have been down considerably and I put that down to people not spending money ... we can't stop the 10 (new licences) coming on, but this will probably cause some hardship."

l POLICE received a report that a bogus taxi driver was working in the Hoobrook area of Kidderminster last Saturday.

That was confirmed by West Mercia Police spokeswoman, Becky Procter, after it was claimed a bogus cabbie had picked up a girl and locked the doors of his car until she paid her fare.

Ms Procter said: "Hackney carriages have a visible roof sign and a licence plate on the rear of the vehicle or in the back window."

She said drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles must wear badges displaying their photograph, name, licence number and council logo.