Taxi association raises concerns after cabbies hit by private parking penalties at ExCeL rank

Licensed taxi drivers working the ExCeL London rank are facing a growing issue with unexpected private parking penalties, according to Lloyd Baldwin, Senior Executive at the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA).

Baldwin reports that drivers are being ticketed by a private parking firm when they extend beyond the designated rank space. This typically occurs when drivers, prompted by social media updates indicating an event's conclusion, arrive in preparation for a surge in demand. In these cases, some find themselves positioned beyond the rank’s official limits, resulting in private parking tickets.

In response, Baldwin has reached out to ExCeL management, sending emails last week seeking clarification on the situation. He warned that a lack of action might leave the LTDA with no choice but to advise members against serving the ExCeL rank altogether.

Baldwin said in TAXI Newspaper: “I have been getting reports that cabbies ranking up at ExCel are receiving private parking tickets from a company called ‘Private Parking Solutions’. It happens when a cabbie sees a call on social media that the event is about to finish and there should be plenty of work coming out. The cabbie turns up, jumps on the back of the queue and because they are over the back of the rank, they get a ticket.

“I have sent ExCel two emails requesting clarification and pointed out that I would hate to be forced to advise our members not to service the rank. These emails were sent at the end of last week and I will advise of ExCel’s response when I receive one. In the meantime, until I can get some answers please be careful when using the rank.”