Spiralling costs, troublesome customers and people looking to get fit are forcing cab drivers out of business in the Basildon area.
Since last year there has been a 14.6 per cent drop in the number of cabs registering in the district - meaning one in seven drivers are giving up the job or leaving the district.
David Dadds, chairman of licensing at Basildon Council, said: "I am concerned that there is a decrease out there because we want to make sure the are enough vehicles. It could be the implications of the licence fee or there is not enough trade. I am going to probe this and find out more."
One 63-year-old taxi driver from Billericay - who asked not to be named - said: "There is not enough work.
"I don't think they are getting buses because the services are not that much good, but quite a few more people walk for the exercise and petrol prices don't help."
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