A TAXI company operator opposed to the plans to introduce mandatory electronic payment options said while card machines in taxis should be an option, “their forced use should not”.
A six-week consultation over Colchester Council’s plan to require drivers to fit their vehicles with a means of accepting electronic payment has concluded.
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 Colchester firm owner said: “Will the use of card machines be forced on other businesses licenced by the council, like Chinese restaurants and fish and chip shops for example?
“If not, why not, are taxi drivers being discriminated against?
“We as business owners should have the right to choose the method of payment we accept and should not be dictated to, this is going against our human rights.
“I can no longer buy a coffee for cash in Starbucks so I choose to use other business, customers can do the same.
“If they want to pay buy card they can use a business that accept cards, it’s freedom of choice for both the business and the customer.”
But some in support of the scheme pointed out the UK is becoming a “cashless society”.
One driver said: “Having this facility will greatly increase the turnover of clients using their service, as many people don't carry cash these days.”
Another added: “I’ve had customers complain that some taxis don’t have this facility.
“I purchased a machine for £19 nearly three years ago and the cost is only 1.69 per cent on transactions.
“This cost is tax deductible and saves time, as I no longer have to take cash to pay in at the bank.
“It will be good to see card machines made mandatory.”
The council’s licensing committee is set to debate the consultation at 6pm on January 18, at a meeting at Colchester Town Hall.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel