Drivers protest over taxi rank changesHundreds of taxi drivers marched in protest of plans to move the taxi rank next to Nottingham railway station.
The drivers marched from Victoria Embankment down London Road and into Station Street, causing chaos on the roads for many drivers.
The group, supported by union Unite, demanded a meeting with planning chiefs at Nottingham City Council over their plans to move the taxi rank in Station Street. The crowd outside Loxley House on Monday morning were chanting to speak to Councillor Nick McDonald, the council's portfolio for growth and transport.
The Nottingham Licensed Taxi Owners' and Drivers' Association say disabled and elderly people could be forced to walk up to 630 metres to get to a cab if the move goes ahead.
This is due to the bridge across the station not having disabled access, meaning they would have to walk out the front of the station on Carrington Street, then down Station Street to the new rank, which would be situated near to the traffic lights at the junction with London Road.
But Nottingham City Council say the rank will be 200 metres from the top of Station Street, and just 50 metres from the footbridge for those who can use it.
Kaleem Ashraf, who helped organise the protest, said: "We are really passionate about this and we want to be involved with the development of the southern entrance to the city, but we do not feel like we are being included as part of the public transport for the city.
"It will not just be us who are affected, it will be the public people who will suffer - the disabled, the vulnerable and the elderly. Councillor McDonald has said he fears Hackney cabs will be a thing of the past in five years, but what the council are doing is contributing to that."
Lee Ali, who has been a taxi driver in Nottingham for 23 years, said he feels the council are "annihilating" their trade.
Speaking outside Loxley House today where he was protesting he said: "It's bad enough for us taxi drivers as it is - they're annihilating us. But they are going to make disabled passengers walk more than 500 yards to get a taxi, and that is the most important issue we are raising here. There will be vulnerable people who won't want to walk that far, especially at night."
Read more: Calls for Nottingham's cyclists to be more cautious when on pavements
Councillor McDonald said the council will continue to speak to those affected. He said: "We are in ongoing dialogue with East Midlands Trains and other groups including taxi drivers to find the best solution for vehicle access to the station, and I have personally met with them on a number of occasions.
"Let us not forget though that this is really about transforming the area as a welcoming gateway to the city – building attractive public spaces, creating the chance for new investment and jobs in the city, reconnecting Broadmarsh to the city centre and the Castle area and helping to tackle air quality issues.
"It will build on existing transport improvements in the area and on our growing reputation for transport excellence and encourage more people to use greener transport options. Getting the right solution involves balancing a range of views – the redevelopment of the area cannot be dominated by any particular group's views. It is far too important for the city's future to allow that to happen.
"This demonstration was not necessary as we had a meeting with them scheduled in later today which Unite unfortunately cancelled. We've met them several times already and have said they are welcome to meet again."
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http://www.nottinghampost.com/Drivers-p ... z49V7qYp1A
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