Barrow taxi drivers warn 'it's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt'https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/17336070 ... gets-hurt/
TAXI drivers have warned it’s only a matter of time before a pedestrian is knocked down if motorists continue to abuse the taxi ranks in Barrow.Only hackney taxi drivers are permitted to park on the official ranks in Barrow to allow members of the public to identify which cabs they can get into without needing to book.
But drivers are becoming increasingly frustrated with motorists abusing the ranks, especially in the evenings, and have warned it is “an accident waiting to happen”.
Hackney driver of 10 years Mark Baines said: “It’s an accident waiting to happen and I’m afraid it’s going to take an accident before any action is taken. It’s absolutely ridiculous.”
There are around 135 hackney drivers registered in Barrow, Dalton and Askam.
Hackney taxis are able to pick up fares from ranks whereas private hire vehicles can only collect fares which have been pre-booked.
“I only work the night-time trade so when regular cars are parked on the ranks that means we can’t earn a living,” Mr Baines added.
Ranks in Cavendish Street and Dalkeith Street can only be used by taxis between 6pm and 8am. There are also 24-hour ranks on Buccleuch Street next to Subway and in Cornwallis Street.
Bob Mullen from the Furness Taxi Trade Association has been liaising with police who have been collecting registration numbers of vehicles abusing the taxi ranks.
Barrow Police have told Mr Mullen that they have been speaking to Cumbria County Council’s on-street parking enforcement team and that a plan has been devised.
Taxi drivers are clear that they want the ranks to be enforced and are also still waiting for proper signage.
They also want police officers on patrol in Cavendish Street to spread out instead of gathering near to Theatre Bar.
Barrow Borough Council’s public protection manger Graham Barker said he was aware of “the difficulties experienced by the taxi trade”.
“Members of the public should be reminded that they must not park on any taxi rank and especially those in the town centre.”