Taxi Driver Online

Former councillor fuming over Blackheath taxi ban snub


Mary Docker beside the sign in Park Street car park, Blackheath, that still has no penalty notice for taxis displayed.

SANDWELL Council has admitted it is not enforcing a borough wide ban on taxis using its car parks in Blackheath claiming its officers cannot “recollect” any complaints from traders or shoppers.

Blackheath Business and Community Association chairman Mary Docker is fuming because she called for the ban’s introduction specifically as a response to the problem of taxis taking up shoppers spaces in the town.

The council said this week it is enforcing the ban on private hire vehicles using council run car parks, which came into force in February, in Cradley Heath , but not Blackheath.

Former councillor Mrs Docker said: “I've been working for seven years with highways officers to get this ban introduced.

“My campaign was started because of the problems we were having in Blackheath when the bypass was built and taxi drivers began using the car park on Park Street.

“That was the whole reason the ban was introduced.

“It should be a blanket ban. I don’t understand this at all - it doesn’t make any sense.”

Councillor Ian Jones, cabinet member of neighbourhoods, said council officers did not “recollect” any complaints about private hire vehicles using Blackheath’s public car parks.

He said: "Consequently the signs necessary to enforce a parking ban on private hire vehicles have not been installed in Blackheath.

"The situation at Cradley Heath was different. There had been regular complaints from the public about the inconvenience and inconsiderate behaviour associated with use by private hire vehicle drivers.

“Consequently signing and enforcement are maintained at Cradley Heath.

"In the interests of efficiency and within the limitations of available resources we must concentrate our efforts on those locations where the greatest benefits can be achieved through enforcement. "

http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/news/984 ... _ban_snub/

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

Are Taxis and PH's a breed apart in Blackheath (wherever it is)..?

I Get Parking tickets issued to me If I'm Illegally parked or over stay my time limit and Just because the Parking signs around here don't specifically mention Taxi or PH I'm still bound by the same parking laws as anyone else on the road.

Or can they Discriminate between Taxis and PH's and private cars in Blackheath..we all have to park somewhere?

Or Am I missing a trick here and could be in for a Parking Ticket fine refund windfall for having needlessly paying my parking fines?

I wonder if she will be having trouble finding a cab next time she needs one.

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Grandad,

No doubt she'll be given the two finger salute.

Perhaps the signs have not been produced and erected because such discrimination against a class of vehicle / driver is illegal.

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Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

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