Taxi Driver Online

Leicester Mercury

February 6, 2007 Tuesday

HEADLINE: Taxis and toilets at top of wish list

Leicester needs to improve its taxis, toilets and transport to attract more visitors, according to the city's marketing boss. Leicester Shire Promotions chief executive Martin Peters says the city needs to sort out the basics to make the most of what it has to offer.

Mr Peters has presented a "wish list" to councillors, addressing some of the basic issues that need tackling. He said: "We need to do something about city centre toilets - quantity and quality.

"We can't just rely on the new Shires development. People have an expectation that a 21st-century city is going to meet all their needs and this is one of the most basic of needs."

He said the coach drop-off point at the end of Humberstone Gate needed to be changed. "You take your life in your hands trying to get off there," he said. "That part of town is so grotty and it's an unofficial bus station as well.

"Taxis are at the top of conference delegates' complaints - the quality of the taxi provision, both the quality of the vehicles and the levels of customer care and knowledge."

He also said the tourist information centre needed to be moved closer to the Clock Tower to attract more passers-by. However, Mr Peters stressed the city was already becoming an attractive destination for visitors.

He said: "It is a success story. It is something we don't shout about enough. There is work to be done but it's from a very positive base." Council leader Roger Blackmore agreed with the points made. He said: "These are all very sensible recommendations for the advancement of tourism in our city.

"We've got a programme in hand for refurbishment and improvement of public toilets. We've opened up new toilets in many of the city's parks. "We've made a move in securing the bus service to the airport, which improves the ability of people to reach Leicester.

"It's very important that we have efficient, clean taxis and we are on the case. "We also need to develop greater recognition of many visitor attractions that we have in Leicester and Leicestershire, ranging from the National Space Centre through to the tremendous potential of the National Forest."

Tourists contribute £310 million to the city's economy every year and more than £1 billion to the county. About 9.5 million tourists visit the city every year, with more than 29 million heading for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Mr Peters said: "To suggest this city is not on the map is one of those myths that we need to dispel. "The future is looking very bright. We have anything between £3 billion and £5 billion investment coming in to the city."
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shouldnt councils have toilets for night drivers.
its got to be better than the bush or a car park.
epespically if you want a number two.