Hackney cab drivers will have to pay �2,400 to pick up airport fares

From 1 January, John Lennon Airport has decided to charge Hackney Cab drivers �2,400 annually for the privilege of working out of the airport.

They claim other airports charge taxis and that they are just following suit.

If Hackney Cab drivers decide not to pay the charge, the airport will look at using private hire operators.

Robin Tudor, spokesman for John Lennon Airport, said there was a hardcore of around 70 Hackney Cab drivers who regularly worked out of the premises.

Public meetings

He said: "We have held a public meeting and are staging another one next week and the feedback we have received so far has been positive.

"I know that the unions are unhappy about it but we are open to suggestions."

Peel Holdings, which operates the airport, has invested more than �80m into the airport which has led to passenger numbers increasing to �4.5m annually.

It says the cost of this investment, coupled with increased operating costs and security measures, has seen it make a loss of more than �15m since 2000.

The taxi charge - which equates to a daily fee of �6.85 - would be ploughed back into the airport and would include improving facilities for taxi drivers.