GOVERNMENT-OWNED Network Rail’s attempts to charge taxi drivers £1,000 a year for the right to pick up passengers at Birmingham New Street station was stalled yesterday.

Transport union RMT, which is resisting the move and representing the drivers, delayed introduction of the charge for consultations by organising a boycott.

Network Rail had planned to levy the fees on drivers from September 20 — the date the newly refurbished station reopens.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The climb down by Network Rail over the introduction of outrageous taxi access charges has been secured as a result of the hard work and determination of RMT taxi members.

“However, we recognise that this fight is not over and we still have work to do to consign these proposals to the scrap heap.”