Concerns had been raised about taxis obstructing bus stops on Friargate

A new taxi rank on Friargate is set to be given the nod to operate from 8pm every night.

The city council has put forward a proposal for the new taxi rank to stop the illegal ranking of vehicles on the city road.

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Chairman of the Hackney Drivers Association, Charles Oakes, said the rank should operate from 8pm to 6am due to early evening demand in the area.

Licensing officers at the council have decided to support this proposal, saying it will stop taxi drivers parking up and blocking the road.

Mike Thorpe, licensing manager at the city council, writes in a letter to Preston Bus who were asked for their views: “As I am sure you are aware Friargate is a ajor road link between Ring Way and Kendal Street and a busy pedestrian route between the city centre and university campus.

“There is already a busy night time taxi rank for 8 vehicles on its west side between Marsh Lane and Edward Street.

“You may also be aware that a minority of taxi drivers “rank” on the west side of Friargate adjacent to Zagros Takeaway and the Dog and Partridge public house. The activity is usually an indicator that there is demand for taxi services in this area.”

The new rank would have space for six vehicles to queue up at a time, between Union Street and the bus stop on the east side of Friargate.

Mr Thorpe wrote to Preston Bus as a previous council meeting were concerned about taxis ranking near a bus stop on the road.

But Mr Thorpe goes on to say he feels as the bus stop is a “set down” stop there buses don’t stay long.

He writes: “My own view is to support the 8pm commencement because it would stop the illegal ranking of vehicles across the road and I am confident that the trade would not abuse the rank by usimg it for more than six vehicles at a time. I would authorise enforcement activity and any driver found over ranking onto the bus stop would be disciplined.”

The taxi rank proposal is due to go to the city council’s taxi and miscellaneous sub committee on Thursday 8 May.

You can view the full report on the taxi rank on the council website.

What’s your view? Do you use Friargate? Do you drive a taxi? Let us know in the comments below