Drivers say they are losing money as there are too many taxis operating in the town.

They say drivers from outside the area are coming into Stamford and taking trade. Cabbies also want greater enforcement to cut out rogue traders who are overcharging.

They are calling on customers to play their part by reporting problems to the district council's taxi inspector.

Cab company owner Edwin Fitchett has been taxing in Stamford since 1991 and has seen the number of taxis in the town grow from 18 to more than 100.

He wants the council to follow other authorites by limiting the number of taxis and says the situation in Stamford is dire, due to over-capacity.

Premier Cabs owner Mr Fitchett, 45, of Bramble Grove, Stamford, owns two cars and employs six other drivers but has not replaced those who have resigned as there is not enough work.

He said the council was granting too many licences.

He said he regularly had complaints from customers who were being taken the long way round on short distances and being refused for short journeys within the town.

Paul Knox, 31, of Essex Road, Stamford, oowns 1st Class Cars and Stamford Cabs.

He said 10 years ago a cabbie could earn £1,000 a week and now it was just £200.

1st Class Cars driver Derek Brace, 50, who has been driving cabs in Stamford for 16 years, said: "The council should limit the number of taxi drivers.

"It used to be a decent living before but not any more, you are struggling every week. There are some weeks where I can't take my kids out as I don't earn enough money."

Premier Cab driver Ed Saltmarsh, 39, of Warrenne Keep, Stamford, said: "We need to find a way of capping the number and to make it more for local drivers than allowing ones from other towns to do business here."

The cabbies have handed over a petition to the town council who will be inviting the district council's portfolioholder, Coun Ray Auger to a meeting to discuss the issue.

A district council spokesman said: "We are aware of the situation and are working together with the drivers and relevant agencies to resolve it."

Coun Auguer (Con), who represents Deeping St James, said: "I will take
advice and look into the issues concerned."