SOUTHEND could see a significant drop in the number of taxis on the town’s streets because drivers are unable to weather the recession, a leading councillor claims.

Labour group leader David Norman spoke out as talks were held between Southend Council and cabbies over a possible rise in the cost of issuing licences to private hire drivers.

The proposed increase will mean a 19 per cent increase for vehicle licences from £260 to £310 and individual drivers’ licences will rise by £81.50 from £214 to £292.50, a 38 per cent price hike.

Mr Norman said: “I will be pushing for the council to set up a special committee to look at the plight of taxi drivers.

“We have an excellent service in the town, which is much better than others I have seen across the country.

“They are having a bad time at the moment with increasing costs and the recession, which means fewer people are using them.

“They need all the help they can get, and if we do not realise how serious the position is, then there is a danger we could see a major drop in the number of cabbies available for Southend people.

“This is a problem we are going to have to address if we are to preserve a service which is important to the public transport in the town, especially late at night when buses and trains have stopped running.”

Southend Council’s licensing committee was due to look in detail at the plight of taxi drivers at a meeting today.

Mr Norman added: “Southend has a night time economy and people need taxis so they can get home safely and comfortably.

“I hope the licensing committee will be listening and that the cabinet and council will take note as well.”

Dave Clift, secretary of the Southend Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said he would not comment on the situation until after the meeting.