Plans for more industrial action look unlikely to go ahead

Trade representatives said a meeting on Friday morning to discuss the dispute had gone "very, very well".

They added that they would recommend plans for industrial action be shelved after receiving several assurances.

Cab drivers had threatened to stage strikes and rolling protests unless the authorities took action over a number of grievances.

Dundee City Council's chief executive Alex Stephen and his deputy, Patricia McIlquham, had agreed to meet to discuss drivers' concerns.

They included complaints about taxi rank space, the number of licences and claims about some private hire firms.

Problem in the trade

Graeme Stephen from the Dundee Taxi Owners' Association said the local authority had taken on board all the issues raised.

He said: "We went through all the questions and they've answered as much as they can.

"They realise there's a big problem in the trade and they've given us assurances that things will begin to look better.

We'll be recommending that no action goes ahead until the progress report Graeme Stephen Dundee Taxi Owners' Association

"They're going to do certain things, and they're in the process of doing other things."

One example was the issue of random street tests, which drivers had claimed were too easy.

Mr Stephen said the council had agreed to consider new software which would make the test more difficult.

The parties have agreed to meet in two weeks' time for a progress update, and Mr Stephen said drivers would be asked to put the dispute on hold until then.

Mr Stephen said: "There will definitely be no action until our mass meeting on Tuesday.

"We'll be recommending that no action goes ahead until the progress report and we'll be happy to keep meeting the council after that.

"If they renege on what they've told us we'll be back to square one, but we're hopeful that won't happen."