A survey to stop the war over taxi licences in Castle Point could take place in September, it has emerged.

Council members voted in favour of the independent survey after Ron Strong, a representative for the borough's Hackney carriage taxis, claimed it was the only way forward.

He spoke out after it was suggested Hackney carriage licences should be given to between 25 and 30 private hire drivers over a period of six months.

Current licence holders were furious at the proposal. They said there was not enough work in the area to justify deregulating private hire vehicles and allowing them to pick up passengers in the street.

Under the current rules, only Hackney carriage drivers can ply for trade in the streets and at taxi stands while private hire drivers have to be pre-booked.

Now council officers and members have chosen consultants Halcrow Fox to carry out the survey which should get under way in the autumn.

Borough secretary John Waugh said: "We had hoped to have the survey carried out sooner but we had to wait until the firm we employed was able to carry it out.

"We hope to carry out the survey in early September when the schools go back and people are back at work. It will be, we feel, a true reflection of how much demand there is."

Mr Strong said: "It is what we asked for. It is the only sensible thing to do.

"The council doubled Hackney carriage plate fees in 1993/94 to get the revenue to pay for future surveys. I am now glad one is taking place."

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