West Norfolk Council has left cabbies in King’s Lynn furious as the town’s main taxi rank is relocated.
The taxi rank has been moved from its prime location outside the bus station on Albion Street to the ground level car park of the Vancouver Quarter shopping centre as part of a £1.6 million revamp of the town.
Petition Backed by Hundreds
The news sparked fury throughout the taxi trade with cabbie, Jason Smith, creating an online petition requesting that the council re-think its decision.
So far over 300 people have supported the campaign creating a positive and encouraging appeal for Jason to take to the Council.
Cabbies Concern for Health and Wellbeing
The taxi drivers say that the move has resulted in a drastic drop in trade and many drivers have been complaining of health problems due to spending long periods of time in an enclosed and polluted space. There have also been reports of anti-social behaviour and safety concerns raised for pedestrians due to the increase in vehicles driving in and out of the car park.
The statement attached to the petition also says that cab drivers want an enquiry launched into favouritism of buses over taxis.
It states: ‘The area covered by the licensing authority of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk has seen a very unhealthy trend over the past 18 years in King’s Lynn, Hunstanton and Downham Market, where the taxi ranks have constantly been moved to a worse position in favour of buses. Something doesn’t look right.’
Despite the trades efforts so far, West Norfolk Council has declined to offer further explanation.
A spokesperson said: “This is the subject of ongoing discussions and whilst we are aware of the taxi petition we have no further comment at this stage.”
You can support the petition by clicking here or join the discussion on its dedicated Facebook page here.