Hackneys should get some priveleges for the money they have to pay for their red plate. However, they obviously may need to raise their game.
This fella from WestQuay cars sounds very insincere. He's probably a freemason who has been given the nod from his lodge mates from ABP to have a go.
In my experience, WestQuay give a crap service anyway. I always have to give them directions, which they can just about understand.
I'd rather go in a taxi with a driver in flip flops who knows where he's going as opposed to a smartly dressed one who doesn't have a clue.