'A one-off slump' is how the millennium has been described by Basildon's taxi drivers.

Free all-night trains, the millennium hype, mild weather and a number of Essex's top nightclubs being closed, all contributed to a startlingly low demand for cabs.

Basildon Taxi Proprietors' Association has rejected criticisms that the public's lack of demand was down to reported fare hikes.

But in a bid to find out why it was so quiet members organised a meeting to get feedback from drivers who didn't get the bumper new year pay packet they had expected.

Spokesman, Keith Beadle, said: "It was a one-off and some taxi firms are saying it wasn't as busy as a normal New Year's Eve.

"We're hoping to get through the next few months with a normal amount of work.

"But if people have overspent on Christmas and New Year we could be in trouble as drivers have still got to maintain their cars.

"This New Year was much more organised than in previous years. People planned their journeys so far in advance and this made a big difference.

"Large groups went up to London and when they came off the train home they just walked off singing.

"It was mild and they just didn't catch taxis home."

The association is not blaming millennium prices, with most Basildon firms charging up to a £10 flat charge and double fare, to travel on the historic night.

Mr Beadle, said: "Other areas were charging more, for instance in Rochford it was four times the normal fare.

"The millennium charge was a one-off."

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