Blackpool black cab drivers have recorded their daily experiences with congestion on the promenade after council chiefs announced plans to expand the tramway.
Chairman of the Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operators Association (BLTOA), Frank Landini, commented: “The taxi trade has suffered from congestion problems for the last few years with no solutions from the council.
“Unfortunately, motorists and residents are left with the consequences of their decisions.
“The £22 million bid to extend the tramway from the North Pier to Blackpool North train station is currently awaiting a decision from the Secretary of State for Transport.
“A ruling has already been made that a planning inquiry is not necessary, but a final decision is yet to be made on the scheme.”
Survey
A survey commissioned by the BLTOA revealed that taxi drivers find it difficult to get their customers to their destination in a timely fashion.
Secretary of the BLTOA, Bill Lewtas, said: “What’s clear from the survey is that journeys are taking far too long.
“It’s only by avoiding the Promenade and using back streets that they are able to reduce journey times.
“However, even the back streets are becoming gridlocked at certain times and air pollution levels must be rising because of the stationary vehicles.”
Black Cab Video Footage
As a result of the survey, a DVD has been created to clearly demonstrate the chaos that develops daily on the promenade and to show how much time this adds to each fare.
Mr Lewtas added: “A Saturday afternoon driver test timed a journey from the Claremont Hotel at Pleasant Street to Rigby Road along the Promenade. The distance is just over one mile but the journey took 25 minutes.
“We continued onto Pleasure Beach and returned to Blackpool North. In total, the journey was almost one hour, which is just not acceptable for taxi passengers.
“Complete CCTV footage is available on the DVD to illustrate the problems which arose.”
An outcome has yet to be made but council officials released information stating that 134 responses to the consultation were made – 81 responses supported the extension of the tramway and 46 objected to the plans.