THIS week I tried to book a taxi for the regular 5.23am train from Hereford to London, but having rung the major operators in Hereford for a lift from Tupsley to the train station, a five-minute journey, none were able to provide the service.

It left me asking why we are so far behind the times with an oligopoly of overpriced and under-performing taxi companies? Why is the council protecting failing companies and stifling competition such as Uber?

What are your thoughts?

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Allowing the likes of Uber to operate would alleviate traffic as taxis would be more abundant and cheaper, as well as provide more independent employment.

Another example of our council keeping us behind the curve.

GEORGE THOMPSON

Hereford