Taxi News
Surrey Taxi Drivers Angry Over Taxi Rank Move
November 2009
More than 140 cabbies in Richmond, Surrey have launched a petition against a council decision to move the Richmond train station taxi rank.
Richmond Council plan to create a pedestrian area outside the train station and relocate the taxi rank 20 yards away, outside Foxtons. Taxi drivers have put a copy of the petition in the back of their cabs to rally support for their objection.
Losing Trade
A taxi driver for 44 years, Peter Williams told the Hounslow Chronical: “There's no doubt it will have a detrimental impact in business – the station is the only place we pick any business up, so to have to move from there won't be good news.
"The town centre is over-cabbed so not being right there to pick people up as they leave the station means anyone, mini cabs and black cabs, can just nip in and collect fares instead of waiting in the rank.”
Adding in the row parliamentary hopeful, Zac Goldsmith noted that the current plans to overhaul Kew Road at the Richmond train station are very different to the original plans laid out in the public consultation two years ago.
“The effect is that the people most likely to be affected have not had an opportunity to make their views known. Disabled and elderly passengers for instance will lose a convenient and safe facility.”
Traffic Congestion
Troy councillor Pamela Fleming does not support the move. Pamela said: “The decision to move the taxi rank and put the buses down beside the shops will inconvenience passengers.”
“Even worse, at peak times the line of waiting buses will block the Church Road junction and create tailbacks to Richmond Circus, where TfL have just put in an extra lance to relieve congestion. This is another example of the piecemeal way these town centre improvements have been handled.”
Defending the move David Trigg, Cabinet member for traffic, transport and parking commented: “We have already met twice with local taxi drivers to discuss the plans and listen to their views. The small number who expressed concerns were encouraged to submit alternative ideas, but these did not meet the needs of all road users, so couldn't be taken forward.”
“The new layout will provide space for nine more taxis, which will be just 20 yards from the station exit, so will remain clearly visible for potential customers. There will also be adequate space for buses and we do not expect any congestion. The new layout will provide much better access to the entrance of the station, which can be extremely busy.”
The taxi driver petition will be handed in to Richmond Council in a bid to stop the proposed taxi rank move. Plans are currently awaiting approval from South West Trains.
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