Local taxi firms could be forced to cut staff and lose thousands of pounds if controversial regulations are forced into practice.

Taxi drivers in Abergavenny have expressed grave concerns over proposals by Monmouthshire County Council to limit the age of vehicles used by taxi firms in the town.

The plans, which it is said will bring Monmouthshire into line with neighbouring Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent, would stop new licences being handed to vehicles over five years old, whilst vehicles over ten years old would not be relicensed.

A two-year grace period would be in place for current licence holders with eight-year-old vehicles to meet the proposed age limit.

One local cab driver said the changes would force him to lay-off two employees and forfeit contracts, as replacing his current vehicles to meet the guidelines would cost upwards of £25,000.

Peter Banfield, know locally as ‘Turkey’, said, “I’ve got three vehicles. Two are ten-year old, and the minibus is 11-year old. Just to buy a minibus under five-year old you’re talking £15 to £20,000 just for that. Then it will only last me five years.”

A council document says the proposals are to ensure taxi vehicles meet a ‘high standard’ to ensure ‘passengers have a comfortable and pleasant journey’.

The plans would license older specialist vehicles, stretch limousines and historical motors under ‘special circumstances.’

A meeting by the Licensing and Regulatory Committee to discuss the proposals is set for Friday March 22.

Mr Banfield (pictured), who has been driving taxis for 20 years, said his current fleet undergoes rigorous testing every year, and each vehicle is valeted weekly.

“It’s pathetic. I could not afford to go and get three vehicles. Not a chance in the world. You don’t need a 13-plate vehicle to have a comfortable ride.

“There’s obviously nothing wrong with vehicles that pass three MOTs a year like mine do,” he said.

Nigel Webb, the representative for local taxi drivers, said the changes would likely ‘hit a lot of firms hard’, forcing some to pack in their businesses.

“It would affect local trade. Most of these boys in town are a one-man operation, they’re scratching to make a living now.

“They would never be able to do it. I’ve been doing this for 37 years and I’ve never known anything like this,” he said.

Mr Webb said the move could significantly reduce the currently large number of taxis in the area, which he says are largely due to ‘out-of-towners’ being granted licences.

He called for a cap limiting numbers, and for other drivers to express their concerns to the council.

“Different councils are putting caps on taxi numbers. Why can’t Monmouthshire do it? It’s ridiculous.

“Every driver, not just one, needs to write in to MCC, expressing their views. If they haven’t written in, they won’t be able to voice their opinion.

“The plans won’t go through if enough of the drivers in Monmouthshire write in,” he said.

A council spokeswoman said, “Monmouthshire County Council is currently consulting on changes to its Taxi and Private Hire Policy and Conditions. Consultation ends on Friday March 18 and a member decision will be made at the Licensing and Regulatory Committee on March 22.”

The proposed changes can be found on MCC’s website at monmouthshire.gov.uk/consultation