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Posted on the 11th March 2025 in PHTM News
SHEFFIELD CABBIES BLAST UNFAIR RAILWAY STATION CHANGES AIMED AT GRIDLOCK
Taxi drivers at Sheffield Station are in an uproar over East Midlands Railway's (EMR) proposed changes to alleviate traffic congestion, labeling them "completely unfair."
The plans include a 30% reduction in taxi permits, a 65% increase in annual permit fees to £1,140, and alterations to drop-off and parking areas.
"This so-called ‘solution’ is turning our livelihood into a rat race, pitting driver against driver instead of working towards a fair and balanced system," stated Nouman Khan of the Sheffield Taxi Trade Association, reflecting the drivers' frustration.
Hafeas Rehman, chairperson of the association, added: "We call upon EMR to do the right thing by allowing all permit holders to renew and freezing the permit fee until a plan is actually implemented."
The proposed changes, detailed in an internal EMR document, come after months of complaints about gridlock.
In October, black cab drivers staged a payment strike, refusing to renew their £700 annual permits. Now, EMR plans to reduce the number of permits from 250 to 177, convert a taxi rank into a drop-off zone, and close the public short-stay car park.
EMR's head of stations, Mike O’Callaghan, defended the proposals, citing the removal of the Cross Turner Street taxi rank as the reason for the permit reduction.
"We recognise that this change may create difficulties for drivers, and we are committed to reviewing the number of permits available once the planned improvements are complete," he said. He further stated that private hire vehicles will be re-routed to Cross Turner Street.
Addressing the fee increase, O'Callaghan explained that revenue generated is returned to the Treasury. "Revenue generated by EMR was returned to the Treasury rather than being ring-fenced for specific purposes."
He also stated that: "Regarding the staff car park, this parking is provided for EMR, Northern and TransPennine Express staff under commercial agreements, particularly for train crews who rely on it as part of their shifts."
The new permit process is set to begin on 6 April, and EMR has announced they will offer 15 minutes of free parking at the Q-Park multi-story car park.
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