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Posted on the 27th May 2025 in PHTM News
BRIGHTON COUNCIL REINSTATES 24 HOUR TAXI RANK AFTER DRIVER OUTCRY
Following intense pressure and a formal complaint from local taxi drivers, Brighton and Hove City Council has U-turned on an experimental traffic order, reinstating a 24-hour taxi bay on Marine Parade.
The decision has been welcomed by the Brighton and Hove Cab Trade Association, though concerns about a "lack of any official stakeholder consultation" persist.
The council had previously removed a long-standing 24-hour taxi bay west of Madeira Place and a loading bay near Broad Street, replacing them with a new shared taxi and loading bay east of Charles Street.
This new bay was initially designated as a loading bay from 6 am to 6 pm and a taxi bay only during evening hours (6 pm to 6 am), a move that sparked outrage among drivers.
Andrew Peters, representing the Brighton and Hove Cab Trade Association, swiftly lodged a Stage 1 complaint on May 15, citing "change in timings," "lack of consultation with the local taxi trade," and issues with a "taxi survey" conducted by the council.
Peters stated they were "not prepared to standby whilst out-of-town Uber cars use the then marked loading bay during that time to rank up on."
Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, parking, and public realm, defended the council's initial process, stating that design plans, including "potential arrangements for the taxi rank," were part of a six-week public consultation.
He explained that "as the scheme is part of an experimental traffic regulation order, we have the flexibility to respond promptly to further feedback, which is what we have done here."
However, Peters believes the council "realised that they did not undertake the correct procedure of a full consultation with the local taxi trade," leading to their swift reversal.
He noted: "the council acted swiftly to resolve the matter to restore the long-established rank back to its 24hr status for the drivers to use whenever it suited."
While acknowledging the council's quick action, Peters emphasised that the association is "still seeking accountability from the council for the lack of any official stakeholder consultation with the local taxi trade to ensure that this does not happen again."
The experimental traffic regulation order, which aimed to improve bus reliability as part of a government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan, will proceed.
Councillor Muten added: "As a listening council, we’re always keen to work with the taxi industry and I’m pleased we have found a solution which allows this important traffic scheme to progress but also supports our local taxi drivers."
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