Middlesbrough taxi wars erupt

Jul 12 2009 by Phil Doherty, Sunday Sun

“We look forward to providing a safe and efficient service for their valued customers.”

After the row erupted Middlesbrough Council said Mr Coppinger was speaking in his capacity as a ward councillor and not as a member of the authority’s executive cabinet.

Borough Cars had threatened to take Mr Coppinger to the Standards Board and claimed the council was acting with maladministration, opening up the authority to censure.

The company also claimed in the letter that Mr Coppinger was backing an illegal taxi rank and that the hackney carriages were trespassing on private land, were causing congestion and were obstructing the entrance for Morrisons’ customers.

Middlesbrough Council’s chief executive Ian Parker said: “The arrangements put in place by Morrisons are entirely a matter for the company, and the arrangement with a private hire operator is an acceptable approach.

“Any complaints referred to us regarding inappropriate use of the car park will be investigated by the council’s Licensing Section and dealt with accordingly.

“Councillor Coppinger’s request to discuss these arrangements with Morrisons was in his capacity as a ward councillor and in response to concerns brought to his attention by members of the public.”

A spokesman for Morrisons said: “At Morrisons, customer service is of the utmost importance, which is why we supply a customer taxi phone in all stores.

“This enables us to liaise direct with a single taxi firm, ensuring our customers get the best service whilst reducing traffic flow within our car parks. The telephone line also means customers have their own taxi individually booked in their name.

“We are obviously happy for other taxis to use the pick up point when booked.”