Taxi drivers upset by rank move 
Cab drivers have described the council’s organisation as a ‘shambles’ after they claim they weren’t told where their taxi ranks were moving to.
Hackney Carriages had to be relocated as work is being carried out at Bedford Bus Station by Bedford Borough Council where the cabs had been.
Drivers have said they had been informed about the upgrades and when they would take place – but claim no plans had been put in place for temporary allocation saying it has hit their business.
But Bedford Borough Council says it allowed the cabs to use a loading bay in Hassett Street – a location that drivers say is only big enough for two cars.
Benson Cudjoe who has been a member of the Bedford Hackney Carriage Association for five years, said: “We were never given any notification by the council as to where the cabs would go.
“We had to make a proposal as to where we should park.
“At the moment we don’t know and we have a few taxis still plying for hire at the bus station, others near the Tesco on Midland Road and then in a lay-by in Hassett Street.” Another driver Gurdeep Dosanjh added: “Passengers are walking to where we had previously been parked up, seeing we aren’t there then walking off and we are losing out on trade.”
A Borough Hall spokesman said the drivers had known about changes since last year, adding: ”As part of this consultation, the council held meetings with the Hackney Association prior and during the consultation period.
“Once the reorganisation has been completed there will be an overall increase in provision for hackney carriages.
“The majority of these will be located in Greyfriars and River Street.
“Following further discussions with the Hackney Association a loading bay in Hassett Street has been made available as a temporary taxi rank with signage also installed.
“The works are expected to be completed next week.”
http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/News ... 052012.htm
Login
Register
FAQ
