Cabbies in Epsom have raised concerns over plans to relocate the town’s main taxi rank and are hoping that the council will reconsider.
‘Plan E’
The idea to move the taxi rank is part of Surrey County Council’s ‘Plan E’ strategy – “Securing a successful future for Epsom town centre” which will also include the widening of pavements and will see South Street changed to a two-way thoroughfare.
Currently, the busy taxi rank is conveniently located on High Street just outside of The Ashley Centre. If the plans go ahead, the rank will move more than 80 yards along the road to just outside TK Maxx.
Everyone Will Suffer
“Over the years we’ve built up a lot of trust – if we move it’ll be a disaster.”
Drivers say that the current location is highly depended on by many of the service users and they worry that their long-term customers will suffer as a consequence.
Taxi driver of 46 years, Edward Rose, said: “It’s important that a taxi rank is in the right place.
“All of our customers know exactly where we are and the elderly and disabled people need us to stay here.
“On top of that, we could definitely lose business by being further away from the centre, we’re trying to earn a living.”
Echoing Edward’s thoughts, cabbie Mark Miles added: “If we get moved to over the road the public won’t see us.
“One of my customers has Alzheimer’s and another has multiple sclerosis. Over the years we’ve built up a lot of trust – if we move it’ll be a disaster.”
85 year old wheelchair-bound, Betty Kemper, is a regular user of the town’s taxi rank. She commented: “I use taxis about four times a week to travel between my house and the town centre.
“It would be much more difficult for me because on the other side of the road it’s busier with people and buses. The taxi drivers are very helpful to people who are elderly and disabled.”
Improving the Town
A council spokesman backed the plans saying that the decision was made based on the results of a public consultation.
“We believe these improvements will secure a successful future for Epsom town centre.”
He said: “The new position of the taxi rank will improve safety for pedestrians with pavements in the area being widened while also encouraging visitors to use the whole of the town centre.
“After listening to the views of all town centre users who responded to our consultation, we believe these improvements will secure a successful future for Epsom town centre.”