Call Sign March 2012
Page 6
Jery's
World
ABUSE OF TAXI RANKS
Er...I think there's a stopping place with no zigzags about half a mile down the road. I'll wait there!
London Taxi & Private Hire Director, John Mason, has written of a topic that irritates many taxi dri-
vers especially in these quiet times. Yet those same drivers may well be just as guilty as those they
condemn. It involves leaving taxis on ranks. Mr Mason writes:
"There have been several complaints
regarding taxis being left unattended on
taxi ranks the most recent example
being around Victoria Station and the
surrounding roads, in particular
Gillingham Street.
All taxi drivers are reminded that they
must not leave their taxis unattended on
a taxi rank. Unattended taxis cause
obstructions to other drivers, passen-
gers and road users and can also cause
· Roadside repair
security risks. Transport for London work closely with London
· Roadside assistance
boroughs to appoint taxi ranks where road space allows. But that space is difficult to
obtain for taxi ranks and drivers abusing them run the risk that borough will reallocate
· Running repair recovery
the road space for other purposes if it isn't being used correctly as a working taxi rank.
· Accident recovery
TfL has specifically been asked by Westminster City Council to inform drivers regarding
· Pay as you go to membership
the unacceptable situation on the taxi feeder rank in Gillingham Street. This rank is the
· Credit card taken at roadside
final portion of the ranks serving Victoria Station forecourt and is for three taxis. It is the
0845 094 5307
only space in this street where taxis can legally wait to join the taxi rank on Vauxhall
Bridge Road.
Unattended taxis left on this rank cause significant problems for other taxi drivers who
We make wheels turn
then over-rank which, in turn, causes problems for other road users.
so you can earn.
All drivers are also reminded that if there is no available space on this taxi rank, for any
reason, then drivers should not stop but move on to another taxi rank where space is
available."
