Taxi fares in Dundee could go up, according to a group of drivers who have united against plans to bring taxi marshals to Dundee.
The GMB union’s wheelchair-operated vehicles taxi branch, with more than 70 members, voted unanimously to oppose the introduction of marshals.
Now a petition has been launched among the trade with a target of up to 1,000 signatures.
Dundee City Council is considering introducing taxi marshals to the rank near the city’s casino at weekends to help control crowds and vehicles.
Some taxi drivers are in support saying it will prevent rogue taxi behaviour and help ensure the public’s safety but others are against the cost and feel they will not have any impact.
GMB says their introduction would add £30 to every taxi driver’s licence fees each year.
The branch’s president, Stuart Elder, said: “The members voted unanimously for a mass petition, which has been drafted up and is now circulating in the taxi offices and ranks, with great success.
“Dundee City Council is trying to push the move through, so this is our next step. Hopefully, we will get a lot of signatures and that will be handed to the council.”
Licensing convener Stewart Hunter said: “This was originally an idea by the taxi drivers themselves. It does appear that there’s a split between some drivers who like it and some who don’t.”