STATION STIRRINGS
NOTTINGHAM CABBIES HAIL NEW RAILWAY STATION TAXI RANK AS BIG ACHIEVEMENT
Nottingham’s black cab drivers are celebrating the return of a taxi rank to the main entrance of the city’s railway station after a decade of relocations. The 18-month trial at Carrington Street is considered a significant achievement, offering a “best option” for both drivers and passengers. The relocation follows the station’s 2014 refurbishment, which transformed the original pick-up point into a pedestrianised area. This led to a series of moves, culminating in a less-than-ideal spot on Trent Street, about 100 metres from the station. Drivers had long complained about the Trent Street location, citing poor visibility and access- ibility. The situation was worsened by recent closures of the station’s side exit and footbridge. Nadeem Amir, of the Nottingham HC Owners & Drivers Association, expressed gratitude to the city council, particularly leader Neghat Khan, for their cooperation in establishing the Carrington Street trial. He emphasised that this solution was the most cost-
effective and efficient, high- lighting the council leader’s swift action in implementing the change within a few weeks. Amir stated that the new location puts taxis “in the limelight,” making them easily visible to passengers and restoring a sense of tradition. He acknowledged previous safety concerns raised by some drivers but believes the zebra crossing adequately addresses these issues. A key benefit of the Carrington Street rank, according to Amir, is the improved convenience
for
passengers, especially the elderly, those with luggage, and families with children. He described the difficulties passengers faced when the rank was on Trent Street, recounting stories of elderly residents expressing dismay at the
CABBIES UNHAPPY AT NEW £450 TAXI PERMIT FEE AT RAYLEIGH STATION
Cabbies unhappy at a new £450 taxi permit fee at Rayleigh Station are ranking up on the approach side of the station instead. For many years hackney carriages have parked for free on the station rank which is on land owned by Network Rail and managed by Greater Anglia who have now
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decided to introduce an annual taxi permit fee. Some taxi drivers feel they have no option to pay for a permit but many others are refusing and are ranking up instead on the approach side of the station which is on land owned by the council.
remote location and longing for the taxis to return to the main foyer. He noted that many passengers were frustrated with having to walk some distance to a “deserted area” to find a taxi. The city council’s trial aims to create a “permanent safe option” and includes eight wheelchair- accessible spaces on Carrington Street and an additional eight- space “feeder” rank on nearby Arkwright Street. The council is actively seeking public feedback on these proposals, which could lead to a reduction in the existing Trent Street rank.
Mohammed Khali, a taxi driver with over 20 years of experience, echoed the sentiments of other drivers regarding the challenges of the Trent Street location. He explained that the hidden location made it difficult for passengers to find taxis, forcing them to walk in all weather conditions. He expressed his appreciation to the council for the new arrangement, stating his hope that it will improve service to the public. Neghat Khan explained that the trial was initiated following feedback from disabled residents and those with young children, aiming to improve accessibility to the station. She encouraged residents, visitors, and transport users to share their feedback on the trial, highlighting the importance of informed decision- making for the future of the taxi rank. The council’s stated goal is to create a permanent and safe option for all users, and public input will play a crucial role in shaping the final decision.
MARCH 2025 PHTM
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