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Tougher measures for motorists who park in night-time Hackney ranks
Late-night city visitors who park illegally in Hackney carriage ranks are being warned that they face being fined from next week.
For several months Cheshire West and Chester Council has tried to tackle the problem of motorists blocking city centre Hackney ranks at night by placing warnings on offending vehicles.
But the problem has not eased, forcing the authority’s Licensing Enforcement Team to introduce tougher measures.
From July 26, private vehicles found stopped in Hackney ranks will be issued with a £70 penalty charge notice by a patrolling enforcement officer.
The patrols will include St John Street and Bridge Street, where the night-time Hackney rank near to The Cross is marked by signs on oak posts rather than yellow lines due to the heritage nature of the area.
Councillor Lynn Riley, Executive Member for Community and Environment, said: “Hackney carriage ranks play a critical role in the transportation of late-night visitors to and from the city and it is vital that drivers are able to operate from them unobstructed.
“Unfortunately, our efforts to inform motorists of the problems they are causing by blocking the ranks has not eased the situation, leaving us no choice but to take enforcement action.
“Our message is very clear - stopping a private vehicle in a Hackney rank is illegal and from now on, offenders will be fined.
“We would remind motorists that this legislation covers the Bridge Street rank where the Department of Transport has authorised the use of signs on posts. Though there are no yellow lines, the offence is still committed.”
The obstruction of a Hackney rank is an offence under two sets of legislation.
Under parking regulations, offenders are fined £70. Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, offenders are required to appear before magistrates and face a £1,000 fine.
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