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Posted on the 5th June 2025 in PHTM News
SHEFFIELD TAXI DRIVERS HAIL VICTORY AS EMR DROPS PERMIT CUTS AMID GRIDLOCK ROW
Sheffield's taxi drivers are celebrating a significant win after East Midlands Railway (EMR) U-turned on controversial plans to drastically cut the number of permits at Sheffield station and dramatically increase fees.
The decision marks a victory for cabbies who had been vocal in their opposition, even resorting to a payment strike last year.
EMR had initially proposed slashing the number of taxi permits from 250 to 177 and hiking the annual fee by 62 per cent, from £700 to £1,140. These proposals were part of EMR's efforts, unveiled in March, to alleviate persistent "gridlock" and "traffic chaos" at the busy station.
The long-running dispute saw black cab drivers initiating a payment strike in October, refusing to renew their permits until EMR addressed what they described as a "chaotic traffic environment."
Hafeas Rehman, chairperson of the Sheffield Taxi Trade Association, confirmed the cessation of the strike and the payment of arrears following EMR's reversal.
"We’re pleased. Hackney cabs are not the cause of congestion at the station," Rehman stated, expressing the sentiment of the taxi community.
While the permit cuts are off the table, EMR is still considering other proposals aimed at improving traffic flow.
These include potentially closing the public drop-off point and making it private hire only, converting the public short-stay car park for "blue badge and contractor" use only, and designating the area directly in front of the station for black cabs only. The future of the rail staff car park on Turner Street is also under review, alongside broader improvements to traffic management.
An East Midlands Railway spokesperson confirmed ongoing discussions, stating: "We are currently working through a revised scheme with the council and taxi driver representatives.
"More information will be shared once timescales are finalised."
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