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| Tunbridge Wells taxi drivers protest at lack of taxi spaces http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=25084 |
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| Author: | captain cab [ Mon Sep 08, 2014 2:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Tunbridge Wells taxi drivers protest at lack of taxi spaces |
Tunbridge Wells taxi drivers protest at lack of taxi rank spaces A GROUP of taxi drivers have been circling Tunbridge Wells this afternoon beeping their horns in a protest against the lack of taxi ranks in the town. Dozens of taxi drivers have been circling the town centre - doing laps of Calverley Road, Monson Road and past the town hall - beeping their horns and driving at different speeds. According to the taxi drivers elected representative, Stuart Carpenter, the protest was called because of a long-standing dispute with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council about the number of ranks for drivers to work from. Mr Carpenter told the Courier that the number of spaces at ranks has been gradually reduced over the past 25 years, and now the drivers have less than 20 spaces between the 108 licensed cars. They are particularly concerned about the taxi rank outside the station, where only eight taxis can fit on the rank. “The lack of taxi rank space that we have is preventing us from providing a proper service,” said Mr Carpenter. “I have seen a lot taxi rank spacing taken away and it just isn’t satisfactory. If any additional spaces are taken away we will have to drive around looking for members of the public to hail us which will only add to the traffic and general chaos in Tunbridge Wells. We don’t want that. “We are asking for immediate action to reinstate visible taxi ranks for more cars. “The taxi drivers are united in their displeasure with the lack of taxi ranks at the moment down at the station where there is a good level of commuter activity.” Some regular taxi users showed their support for the drivers in their quest for better facilities in the town. Sarah Hird, from Tunbridge Wells, said: “I can’t believe that the council aren’t helping these drivers because we rely on the taxis coming off the trains. “Particularly as a woman you want to get in a taxi and feel safe. It is a ridiculous idea by the council to reduce the spaces. I am disgusted.” Read more: http://www.courier.co.uk/Tunbridge-Well ... z3CjPG9fpV Follow us: @KSCourier on Twitter | kentandsussexcourier on Facebook |
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