RANK RUMBLINGS
STEVENAGE TAXI RANK FACES REMOVAL AMIDST TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT
A long-standing taxi rank in Stevenage town centre is slated for removal to make way for the construction of 261 new flats, a move that has sparked public notice and calls for comment. Stevenage BC is proposing to remove the rank on Danestrete as part of the ongoing redevelop- ment of the former Swingate House site. The council’s public notice outlines the necessity of the removal, stating: “This proposal is due to a major development taking place on the west side of Danestrete, which will require the
repositioning of the hoarding line to the kerb edge to accommodate the next phase of construction works.” Further complicating pedestrian flow, the owners of the Westgate Centre on the east side of Dane- strete are “also planning improve- ment works within the same vicinity.” To ensure public safety during these overlapping construction projects, a “temporary pedestrian walkway will be established along the western side of the carriage- way,” according to the notice. The layout of this temporary walkway “necessitates the removal of the
taxi rank on Danestrete for the duration of these works.” The public notice confirms that: “The existing taxi bay located on Westgate will remain unaffected.” Looking ahead, the council has indicated its willingness to find a new solution for town centre taxis, stating: “As the regeneration of the town centre progresses, the council remains open to exploring suitable alternative locations for a taxi rank elsewhere.” The public can comment/object by emailing:
licensing@stevenage.gov.uk by August 11.
VICTORY FOR CHORLEY CABBIES AS HIGH STREET RANK REOPENS ON TUESDAYS AFTER EIGHT YEARS
After more than a year of navigating legal red tape, Chorley’s hackney drivers are celebrating reclaiming the town’s key High Street rank on Tuesdays. The win comes after campaigning by the Chorley Taxi Association, which pushed to reverse a 2017 decision that had handed over the bottom taxi rank to Tuesday market traders. For nearly eight years, the change forced taxis to relocate further up the road leaving shoppers - many elderly or carrying heavy bags - to make an inconvenient uphill trek just to find a ride home. “It simply wasn’t practical,” said Shaz Malik, spokesman for the Association. “It hurt the trade, but more importantly, it made life harder for the public. This wasn’t just about taxis it was about access and fairness.”
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Mr Malik said the 2017 decision had gone unchallenged not due to lack of concern, but lack of represent- ation. Although a public consult- ation was held, the individuals expected to speak on behalf of the taxi trade failed to attend the key meetings. With no voices at the table, the rank was reallocated. In September 2023, the then newly-formed Chorley Taxi Association formally approached Chorley Council to relocate market stalls on Tuesdays, and restore the rank to taxis. They said the council agreed, but to make the change legal, the Association had to approach
Lancashire County
Council (LCC) to amend the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) governing the space. “There’s no quick fix with TROs,” Mr Malik explained. “It has to go through the county’s legal team,
be published for public feedback, and then approved again. We had no idea how complex it would be.” Despite the delays, Mr Malik credits both LCC and Chorley Council for their cooperation and support throughout the process. He said: “We’re grateful to both councils for working with us. They didn’t brush us off they understood the issue and stayed engaged all the way through.” As of this month, taxis can once again use the bottom rank on Tuesdays restoring convenience for shoppers and bringing valuable business back to local drivers. Mr Malik said: “It’s a win for both sides. The public gets easier access to taxis, and the trade regains a key rank we never should have lost. It proves that when the right people are at the table and the system is engaged properly, real change is possible.”
AUGUST 2025 PHTM
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