A now familiar tale...
On the other hand, the council's version is that effectively no-one in the trade was interested until it was all done and dusted.
But I wouldn't be surprised if it was all basically presented as a fait accompli and the HCDs thought it pointless getting involved. Or something like that. But I'd certainly take the council's portrayal with a pinch of salt.
Malvern taxi drivers demand return of removed taxi rankshttps://www.malverngazette.co.uk/news/2 ... axi-ranks/
TAXI drivers in Malvern say they are struggling financially and fear for passengers’ safety after several taxi ranks were removed.Drivers are calling for the ranks to be reinstated following changes made by Worcestershire County Council at Edith Walk and near the Post Office.
Sue Penny, who owns Sue’s Taxi and Classic Cabs, said three taxi spaces were removed in the area and claimed drivers were not informed about the consultation beforehand.
She also said there had not been a taxi forum since the Covid pandemic.
Taxi drivers have raised further concerns about Great Malvern railway station, where they say taxi rank markings were painted over overnight around six weeks ago.
Ms Penny said restrictions governing taxi parking near the Post Office were also not being enforced.
She said that after 5.30pm there is supposed to be space for four taxis, but other vehicles regularly park in the bays.
Drivers claim the changes are affecting their incomes and have also raised concerns about passenger safety, saying some customers are now struggling to find them and they have to cross the road in dangerous positions.
Taxi driver Shamreez Akhtar said around 90 per cent of his business previously came from Great Malvern railway station.
He said many of his former customers were now using Uber and claimed there was no sign informing passengers that taxis were waiting on the other side of the road.
Mr Akhtar said the impact was particularly noticeable during busy events when he would normally expect more customers.
He said he did not receive any jobs during the recent Autumn Quilting and Sewing Show, despite typically expecting increased demand around events.
Mr Akhtar said he had paid £30,000 for his newest taxi and more than £350 for his licence.
He said: “I am now struggling with this combined with the weight of paying off my mortgage.”
He added: “We want our taxi ranks back.”
Worcestershire County Council said the changes at Edith Walk and near the Post Office had gone through the required statutory process.
A council spokesperson said: “The taxi rank changes at Edith Walk and near the Post Office were made following the full statutory process required for a Traffic Regulation Order.
“As the Highway Authority, the County Council consulted statutory stakeholders, including Malvern Hills District Council, Malvern Town Council, West Mercia Police, the Taxi Licensing Officer at Worcestershire Regulatory Services and local taxi traders.
“Following this initial process, the amended proposals were then publicly advertised, including notices at the affected locations, providing further opportunity for feedback.
“No objections were received during the public advertising periods and, as a result, the Order was formally made.
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