The row over the lack of parking spaces in the busy centre of Ely, Cambridge, has escalated as councillors have said they won’t be supporting the idea of creating two extra ranks on Market Street, despite repeated calls from drivers.
The cabbies say there’s a lack of pick-up and drop-off points in the city centre, which is now starting to directly affect their businesses. The cabbies’ anger is compounded by the fact that licence plates have gone up an extra £130 a year, pulling in nearly £16,000 in revenue from the 121 licenced taxis in the city. Yet the decision to convert two 30-minute parking spaces at a central location into taxi spaces remains unresolved.
The argument over the two spots has brought things to a head in this ancient city as taxi drivers and cab company owners say they’re getting nothing in return for the increase in licence plate charges.
“Current arrangements cause congestion on a dangerous bend, resulting in a public safety issue.”
Inadequate Facilities in The City Centre
Cab drivers claim that Ely is expanding and that the rapid rise in visitor numbers means that ranks are busier than ever. But with the new leisure village currently without any form of taxi parking at all and current ranks not offering the spaces needed for an increasingly busy fleet, tempers are starting to run high. Drivers also claim that the city’s licence enforcement officer is happy to ensure taxis don’t contravene regulations but is doing nothing to help them run their businesses by organising the extra space needed.
So far, 13 councillors and three parish councils have objected to converting the spaces into taxi spots. With Market Street regarded as the hub of the community and a transport hot-spot, as well as a busy night-time location, the current arrangements are seen as inadequate.
An Issue of Public Safety
Drivers also claim that the current arrangements cause congestion on a dangerous bend between Market Street and Newham Street, resulting in a public safety issue.
However, opponents claim that the spaces would better serve as disabled parking bays and many of those who have voiced their concerns say that turning the spots into taxi bays would directly affect some of the small independent shops who rely on people being able to park close by. They also dispute the need for more taxi bays but with 121 licensed taxis in the city and only 10 spaces in the city centre and a further eight at the station, it’s clear that the taxi community does have a legitimate concern.
The limited number of spots available, particularly at night, has an impact on the on the trade and with the increase in licence charges, the taxi drivers of Ely feel that they’re not getting a fair deal from the council.
The case continues.