Taxi Driver Online

March 26, 2008 Wednesday

Hospital queues not our fault say drivers

Echo

CAB drivers have hit back at claims they were responsible for traffic chaos which prompted the removal of a taxi rank outside Southend Hospital.

The waiting area for taxis outside the hospital, in Prittlewell Chase, was moved 80m west over the Easter weekend in an effort to stop taxis blocking cars and ambulances from getting on to the site.

But the drivers have attacked the decision and insist barriers preventing cars getting into the car park were to blame for the congestion outside the hospital.

Ian Saxton, managing director of AC Radio Cabs, said: "Last Thursday there was a really long queue outside the hospital, but not a single taxi.

"The problem is the hospital has barriers, which mean cars have to wait on the main road to get in. I don't know how they ever got planning permission for them."

Mr Saxton added the rank outside the hospital was used as a feeder to a taxi site in the hospital grounds.

He said: "We want to provide a good service to the hospital and want taxis waiting for people outside, not the other way around."

The change came after traffic mayhem is thought to have delayed an ambulance carrying a heart attack victim.

Davina Millership, Southend Council's interim group manager for traffic, said: "The council, in the interests of safety, has taken immediate action to relocate the taxi waiting area to make sure ambulances carrying emergency patients can fully access the hospital at all times.

"We have been in discussions with taxi drivers about the decision."

Southend Hospital welcomed the decision to relocate the cab rank adding patients can use a decicated phone to call a cab.

Charlotte Humphries, the hospital's travel plan co-ordinator, said: "We are continuously looking for ways of easing traffic flow in and around the hospital site and actively encourage staff and visitors to consider greener methods of travel.

"I am delighted more staff are switching to cycling or walking. The hospital has given its full support to Southend Council's recent bid to become a new demonstration cycling town."
______________________________

Now I don't know if the rank is on a public road or not, but if it is/was then what chance do you think there is of the council moving the rank in accordance with the acts?

i.e. advertising the new rank and/or advertising any change to the number of spaces, and advertising the demise of the old one.

_________________
IDFIMH