Concerned Taxi drivers like John Doyle are worried about the plans to bring in more drivers 77493-72TAXI drivers fear they could lose their livelihoods if council plans go ahead.

At a meeting between the council's Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Sub-Committee, a recommendation was made to allow more Hackney Carriages on to the street.

And the drivers who are already struggling to make ends meet may go on strike if the door is opened for more taxis. If plans by the committee are given the green light, there will be no limit on the number of taxis which can apply for licences.

At the moment the council restricts the amount of Hackney Carriages to 138.

John Doyle, of Penhill, has been driving his taxi for the last 12 years. He works for Radio Cars.

The 40-year-old, who has four children aged between 11 and 18, said: "The drivers are furious about this.

"There isn't enough work for us as it is. If this does happen we are going to lose our jobs.

"By issuing more licences it's going to cause a lot of hardship for a lot of people."

Out of the fare money the drivers make they have to pay the rent for their cabs and the cost of fuel.

Mr Doyle wants the council to think about the impact the influx of taxis will have on the drivers. He added: "Where are all the extra taxis going to park? People will end up parking illegally. It's going to cause mayhem."

Malcolm Curtis, 53, of Cricklade, is self-employed and has been parking up at the railway station for 12 years.

He says he has to work between 12 to 14 hours, seven days a week to make a profit.

"I worked a 14 hour day and only made £37 the other day.

"If there are more taxis I'd have to find a new job.

"I would never earn enough to survive.

"The only time you need more taxis is about six hours a week on a Saturday night. The rest of the time there's hardly any business."

He added: "If our wheels aren't turning then we don't get paid."

Coun Colin Lovell, chairman of the private hire and hackney carriage sub-committee, said the committee wants there to be no limit to the number of taxis.

He said: "In our view there is a high demand for Hackney Carriages.

"We think people struggle to get a Hackney Carriage late at night and early in the morning.

"I think it's in the interest of the drivers not to de-limit the numbers but it is in the public's interest to do so."

A final decision is due to be made at a full council meeting in June.

Lyndsay Scanlan