Crackdown on illegal parking in city’s taxi ranks

Councillor Craig Collingswood said: “Our taxi ranks are for black cabs only. Other vehicles should not be using them"

City centre patrols have been stepped up to crack down on illegal parking in taxi ranks, a council has said.

Council officers in Wolverhampton are carrying out regular patrols, including nights and weekends, to stop other vehicles from parking in ranks exclusively reserved for black cabs.

The council is warning motorists they face a penalty for transgressions.

Last year, more than 100 £70 penalty charge notices were issued for the misuse of taxi ranks in the city.

The patrolled ranks, located in sites close to the city centre, were clearly signed "taxis only", City of Wolverhampton Council said.

Councillor Craig Collingswood explained: “The ranks are conveniently located to support passengers with accessibility needs and inconsiderate use is making it harder for people to enjoy a visit to Wolverhampton.

“We want to make sure our city is welcoming and accessible to everyone and the misuse of these ranks by other drivers is both thoughtless and illegal.

"We will not hesitate to issue penalty charge notices to any drivers misusing our taxi ranks.”

Anyone caught using the taxi ranks is warned they face a penalty charge notice of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days of service.