RANK BEHAVIOUR: North East Lincolnshire Council clamps down on taxi rank misuse, dishing out 8 PCNs

Image credit: Dynamo Taxis

North East Lincolnshire Council's Licensing team cracked down on unauthorised parking in taxi ranks during an enforcement sweep on Friday 5 July.

Officers patrolled key locations on Grant Street and in the Marketplace, aiming to educate drivers on the importance of following parking regulations.

The targeted taxi ranks are clearly marked with yellow crosshatched lines and signs, indicating restrictions. On Market Street, the rank operates as a no-stopping zone from 6pm to 6am, reserved exclusively for taxis. Grant Street enforces a no-waiting rule at all times, except for taxis. These rules are in place to ensure that taxi drivers can access designated spaces and provide safe, licensed transport options for passengers.

The Council's Trading Standards team highlighted issues with private vehicles occupying these spaces, which led to the evening's enforcement. During the operation, officers issued 9 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). Of these, 8 were for private vehicles parking in the taxi ranks, and 1 for a car stopping on a pedestrian crossing.

Wayne Crouch, Chairman of the Hackney Carriage Association, said: “The Hackney Carriage Association have been concerned about the problem the taxi trade are concerned about private cars and delivery drivers parked on designated taxi ranks.

“We are concerned for the public safety getting into fake taxis and are in support of the council’s actions.”

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, added: “People should feel safe when using taxis in the borough and the licensing regime exists to protect the public.

“The council takes its responsibility for ensuring public safety very seriously and we work with the taxi trade to offer advice and guidance when necessary.”