Taxi Driver Online

Some great photos here

But who to believe - the council or the trade? Council say the trade wanted the rank, but if it was viable then I'd guess the drivers would be using it, so proof in the pudding, and all that.

Of course, wouldn't be surprising if some in the trade did request it, but it's turned out to be a dud

And, of course, this is the same council who want to get rid of the huge rank up near the shopping area etc for pedestrianisation, but I've lost track of what's going on there


Drivers hit out at new taxi rank along Ipswich Waterfront

https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/2547 ... aterfront/

Taxi drivers in Ipswich have hit out at Ipswich Borough Council as the new taxi rank along the waterfront "lies dormant".


Image: Lucy Taylor/Ipswich Star

The council have said that the new rank was implemented last month after speaking with taxi drivers and residents, but members of the Taxi Drivers Alliance say that the council have not listened to their objections over what they view a "waste of tax payer's money".

In August, Ipswich Borough Council unveiled a new taxi rank along the Waterfront by the Old Customs House saying that the new 24 hours rank will help provide the service in the area and prevent anti-social behaviour.

But in the four weeks since it was announced, the Ipswich Taxi Alliance have said that it "lies dormant".

Mo Ali of the alliance said: "Regardless of our objections telling the council it will be an absolute waste of tax payer's money for we know that people don't use the dock area to get taxi, it is for walking, enjoying the leisure areas as they walk into town whilst Lloyds Avenue when they need a cab.

"Now the taxi rank in the docks lies dormant as you hardly see any cabs parked their except the public using it as a parking space.

"It's no wonder why our town is in so much financial debt due largely to complete mismanagement by our incompetent council that keep ruining our once prosperous town.

"But as always anything taxi drivers say falls on deaf ears as the management style of the council is toxic and always bullying so it feels like no council employee literally has any rights whatsoever. It's either their way or the highway".


Image: Lucy Taylor/Ipswich Star

The council said the placement of the rank was due to public demand after a consultation with residents.

An Ipswich Borough Council spokesperson said: "Ipswich Borough Council is committed to supporting taxi provision across the town to ensure services meet resident and visitor demand, support local businesses, and improve connectivity and public safety.

“Locating a rank at the Waterfront was requested by members of the taxi trade a number of years ago and, while this could not be implemented at that time, the Council has now been able to respond to that request with this newly established rank.

“A statutory public consultation ran from 19 May to 16 June 2025, inviting feedback from residents, visitors, local businesses, and the taxi trade on our proposals to create a taxi rank on Key Street.

"Ipswich Taxi Alliance did not submit an objection to those proposals during the consultation, nor did any individual or alternative body representing the trade.

“A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is in place to restrict non-taxi vehicles from using the stand in Key Street, with visible signage and road markings.

“The Ipswich waterfront is a lively area full of hospitality venues and a taxi rank in the location can only be a benefit to the public and premises in the area.”


Image: Lucy Taylor/Ipswich Star

Not sure that's being conveyed in those pictures.

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IDFIMH