AN estimated 1,000 drivers are expected to take part in a taxi strike which will go ahead in Bradford from 6am to 6pm this Thursday.

The Bradford Taxi Action Group (BTAG), who represent drivers across the Bradford district, are unhappy that Bradford Council is set to introduce a Clean Air Zone in January, which could see drivers having to pay £12.50 a day unless they have a compliant vehicle.

In a letter to Bradford Council, Asif Shah, chairman of The Bradford Taxi Action Group (BTAG), wrote: "Please be advised that BTAG has called for a taxi strike amongst members on Thursday, May 13, 2021 between 6am to 6pm.

"We anticipate a minimum of 1,000 drivers to take part in this strike.

"Operators have been advised to make arrangements to manage this disruption amongst their customers.

"BTAG is now demanding that the council alters its policy on allowing Euro 6 diesel compliance amongst the private hire sector.

"Hackney carriages have been allowed this exemption but not private hire. This is a discriminatory act against private hire drivers.

"There are other unresolved issues which we have already contacted you about and still not received any response about."

Mr Shah added: "We're saying to our drivers don't go work on Thursday.

"This is going to be very disruptive to the public and is not something we've seen in Bradford in a long time.

"We'd just want it highlighted to let people know not to expect taxis on Thursdays.

"Also, please let as many elderly people know as possible. We don't want them walking to the supermarket and then not being able to get a taxi home."

Bradford Council, however, has said they must comply with a Government directive about the Clean Air Zone.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “The council is under a Government directive to introduce a Clean Air Zone and is therefore duty bound to comply.”

The council had previously told the T&A that it is working with drivers in the district.

The spokesperson said: “We are continuing to have conversations with the trade to support drivers to adapt. We value the district’s taxi drivers as an important part of our public transport service. They have had a very difficult year and we are grateful for all they have done in these challenging times.”