Drivers call for action over taxi rank congestion

Taxi drivers say they face waits of up to 30 minutes at the rank outside Sheffield station

Taxi drivers in Sheffield have called on East Midlands Railway (EMR) to take action against private hire drivers who they say are causing problems outside the station.

Sheffield Taxi Trade Association say drivers pay £700 a year for a permit to access the taxi rank at the station but private hire drivers - who do not pay the fee - are causing daily jams.

Nouman Khan, from STTA, said some drivers were now refusing to pay, adding: “We can no longer tolerate the lack of action from EMR. We have repeatedly raised these issues, yet nothing changes."

A spokesperson for EMR said it was aware of the congestion issues and was in discussion with the drivers.

Khalid Rehyman says private taxis are waiting in the pick-up and drop-off area for customers

Khalid Rehyman, who has been driving a black cab in Sheffield for more than 20 years, said the situation was "getting ridiculous".

"Sometimes we wait 30 minutes waiting to get to our taxi rank," he said.

"These private taxis are supposed to be just dropping off, but they wait around for customers.

"They cut in. Every day it’s a fight."

Fellow cabbie Germay Beregakthab said thing had reached “breaking point”.

“We are united this time, we are not paying for the permits," he said.

"The private hire cars they are picking up too, causing jams. It’s not right."

Tax drivers say markings on the road are not enough to combat the problem

EMR said it had recently changed the markings around the taxi rank to include 'permit holders only' signs and markings showing 'drop off only' areas.

However, Hafeas Rehman from STTA said the markings "are not enough".

"We need enforcement from EMR," he said.

"There's too much congestion. Too many confrontations"

A spokesperson from EMR said: “We are in regular dialogue with the drivers who use the taxi rank and we are aware of the congestion issues which can happen at peak times.

“We aim to reduce the existing congestion and enhance access for station users and are continuing to work with our local partners to explore options for achieving this long-term objective.”

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