Taxi Driver Online

Grimsby Evening Telegraph

November 3, 2007 Saturday

More spaces could be given

Taxi drivers are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel as council bosses consider giving them more space.

After a dispute which the Hackney Carriage Association say has lasted two years, the council has begun to get administrative gears in motion to find the carriages more room.

David Atkin, chairman of the Hackney Carriages Association said: "The situation is that since 2005 there are 100 more Hackney Carriages in the area, and since then we have lost four parking spaces.

"This is something the association has no control over - if the council clears someone to have a licence as a Hackney Carriage driver, then they can become one.

"Unfortunately, it seems that when people are approved to earn a living as a taxi driver, they don't have the facilities out on the street to park up."

In September, a 'go slow' protest was held by taxi drivers in top town to draw attention to the debate.

"We complained to the council ombudsman, and North East Lincolnshire Council have sent an apology back to him."

The letter, which is addressed to investigator Mr J Jewers and sent to Mr Atkin reads: "On behalf of the Council I would apologise to Mr Atkin and the Hackney Carriage Association for the delay in considering the request for new rank locations. The decision should not have taken so long and the Environment Department regret this."

The letter, sent by the director of law and democratic services for North East Lincolnshire Council said it would consider a proposal by the Hackney Carriage Association for spaces in High Street and Sea Road in Cleethorpes, and Victoria Street West and Station Approach in Grimsby.

Mr Atkin said: "Action on our part will be on hold until January, when the council addresses the issue."

David Poucher head of traffic and road safety at NELC said: "We have been asked by the carriage association to look at the spacing in Grimsby for their taxis. Regarding the area near the station, we will be discussing a six-car rank with a three-car feed. This will form a wider programme of possible change, alongside more areas for disabled blue badge holders."
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