Taxi drivers in the in the town of Liskeard, near Plymouth, are loosing patience with motorists constantly clogging their taxi ranks. They feel like they are banging their heads against a brick wall after being told by their local council that nothing can be done to stop the problem.
Local taxi firm owner, Grayson Mitchell, approached the council’s licensing department about the issue, but was told that no enforcement measures could be taken against non taxi vehicles parking in the ranks. Mr Mitchell however feels like he is receiving contradictory messages from the council, as he was previously told only taxis were permitted to park in the ranks.
Taxi drivers are infuriated at paying the extortionate feels to Cornwall Council for the right to sit in the ranks, yet find that non-taxi vehicles are using the ranks as parking spaces. Cabbies have always been led to believe that nobody can park on the taxi ranks apart from licensed taxis.
Taxi Sales Increase
Mr. Mitchell claims he made the council aware of this some years ago in 2006, but still nothing has been done. It is claimed that the situation is getting worse as in the last 18 months taxi sales in the area have doubled, with more and more cabs joining the queues at the town’s taxi ranks.
Drivers – already feeling the pinch from increased competition – are infuriated that the council continues to charge taxi drivers hefty fees without providing the facilities they need to do their job.
Non-enforceable Taxi Ranks
Cornwall Council has said that use of some of the ranks is not enforceable due to signage and incorrect road markings and that action is planned to address these issues.
Parking policy group manager, Kate Dixon, commented: “It would not be true to say that all taxi ranks are unenforceable.
“There are some taxi ranks across Cornwall which are unenforceable because the signs and/or lines are incorrect and we are seeking funding to rectify this situation.