Leicester taxi drivers query station improvement plan

Taxi drivers in Leicester say plans to improve the city's train station could have a bad impact on their business.

If plans are approved, the 10-month project could begin in September.

Network Rail said it had worked closely with Leicester City Council on plans for a pedestrian area with improved disabled access at a cost of £3.5m.

But the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) workers' union said taxi drivers had not been consulted about the plans and were concerned about the work.

If approved, all traffic would enter the station through one entrance on Conduit Street, which is currently only used by taxi drivers.

One entrance

"When they start the work, all the traffic will plough through Conduit Street to the station to pick up and drop off," said Gurpal Singh, branch secretary for Leicestershire and Rutland RMT.

"The general public, everyone, will be using the same entrance and you can only get one car in the entrance at the same time," he added.

Rachel Lowe, spokeswoman for Network Rail, said: "Network Rail has worked very closely with East Midlands Trains and Leicester City Council to agree the submitted design.

"The overall idea is to make the station more accessible, attractive and welcoming for visitors and locals alike."

The number of spaces for taxis will remain the same but they would have to be relocated while work is carried out.