A COLCHESTER cabbie opposed to council plans to enforce mandatory electronic payment options in all taxis said the move goes against his human rights.

Another driver said the “vast majority” of late-night passengers in the city are “drunk out of their brains, drugged up, or both”.

A third cabbie said punters find it “offensive” to be asked for card payment, adding: “This leads to an icy journey as the customer is not happy with these rules.”

These are some of the responses to a six-week consultation over Colchester Council’s plan to require drivers to fit their vehicles with a means of accepting electronic payment.

According to council bosses, the requirement is being considered following complaints over some licenced vehicles being unable to accept card payments.

Should the change be approved, licence holders would need to purchase an electronic device, which could cost in the region of £100, within three months.

It is also anticipated each transaction would also incur a charge of about 1.6 per cent.

The council would need to fork out about £1,000 on stickers for its fleet of vehicles which would inform passengers of its card payment capabilities.

The authority’s licensing committee is set to meet to consider 50 responses from taxi drivers, proprietors and operators across Colchester to the plans.

The majority, around 30 responses, either voiced support for the move or confirmed they already use electronic means of payment.

“Card payments mean you are not carrying large amounts cash,” said one driver.

“They are traceable – safer for the driver, especially Hackneys who don’t have any customer details.

“We are a city in 2022 and it is unprofessional not to accept card payments, it is not a great look to tourists, business people visiting and our population.

“The drivers who object should have two choices: Accept cards or leave the industry.”

Gazette: Colchester High Street's taxi rankColchester High Street's taxi rank (Image: Newsquest)

But around 15 of the responses either opposed the scheme outright or voiced fears over the plans.

Many pointed out Colchester has several signal blackspots which leave devices without a connection to the internet.

One driver said: “There are many passengers who have no intention of paying to get home, and it those who would most likely complain.

“Cash only payments can safeguard against ‘runners’.

“The cost of fuel has risen but the fares have remained unchanged.

"We cannot afford to lose out when customers do not want to pay at the end of a journey.”

The council’s licensing committee is set to debate the consultation at 6pm on January 18, at a meeting at Colchester Town Hall.