Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers warned over double parking at station


TAXI drivers parking illegally and making dangerous manoeuvres outside Tunbridge Wells Railway Station have been warned to stop or face the consequences.

Cabs regularly stop in the lay-by outside the train station in Mount Pleasant Road in lines of two which means the vehicles are partially parked on the road and over double yellow lines.

Taxis double parked outside Tunbridge Wells train station in Mount Pleasant Road on Tuesday 15th May

They are also performing dangerous U-turns across the busy road. The borough council and Kent Police have promised to crack down on any drivers who flout the laws.

When the Courier went to the station at 10.30am on Wednesday there were six vehicles parked on the double yellow lines and encroaching on to the road.

Meanwhile the taxi rank at the back of the station was half-full and the one next to the Great Hall, off Mount Pleasant Road, was completely empty.

The council's parking manager Emma Pell said: "The parking at the taxi rank outside Tunbridge Wells station is something that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is well aware of. As the lay-by is private property, double parking within this area is not enforceable.

"Civil enforcement officers have, and do, move cars on when they are seen to be waiting outside this area."

The police said they would take action when taxis make U-turns in the road.

Drivers do this because their vehicle needs to be facing towards the bottom of the hill to exit the rank.

Inspector Justin Watts, of Kent Police, said: "Taxi drivers, just like any other vehicles, have to obey the rules of the road.

"Taxi drivers, in particular, have no excuse, as they know the local area well and would be well aware of any highway restrictions.

"We will be working with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to ensure that a permanent solution is found to the issues with illegal parking and turning by taxis."

Farid Fakoor, manager of Express Cars based in Woodbury Close, defended the taxis and urged the borough council to remove the double yellow lines.

"I think it is safe. The problem around the Mount Pleasant side of the station is there are around 105 plated taxis who pay £290 per year to park in the rank and it is not big enough.

"It wouldn't be safe if we park in threes but I think twos are safe."

source: http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/Taxi-driver ... story.html

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Oh what a surprise too many issued permits then they moan about double parking and over ranking and threaten drivers

Well if the councils and railway companies weren't so greedy there wouldn't be a problem would there !

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector