Posted on the 11th June 2025 in PHTM News

PARKING PANDEMONIUM: ILLEGAL PARKING NEAR TAXI RANK SPARKS ROW IN WORCESTER

A simmering dispute over illegal parking near a prominent Worcester taxi rank has boiled over, with a cycling campaign group labelling the issue a "massive problem" and city officials hitting back at what they perceive as an "anti-taxi campaign."

Bike Worcester claims to have documented over 300 parking offences in a single 24-hour period last October near the Foregate Street taxi rank, using a time-lapse camera.

Dan Brothwell of Bike Worcester highlighted the daily issues around The Cross and Foregate Street, stating: "This is a massive problem - and we don't have a vendetta against taxis or cars."

He added that their video "recorded over 300 parking offences and incidents of over-ranking in 24 hours. People turn a blind eye to it."

Brothwell also raised concerns about safety, noting: "parking here causes the problem that cars overtaking cross the solid white line into the bike/bus lane, meaning cars drive head-on at people cycling - many of these are also taxis."

He expressed sympathy for local taxi drivers, suggesting they are "being swamped by drivers from Wychavon and Wolverhampton."

However, Richard Udall, chair of Worcester City Council’s licensing committee, pushed back against Bike Worcester's claims. While acknowledging that "hundreds of fixed penalties have been issued and repeat offenders will lose their licences," he accused Bike Worcester of targeting taxi drivers.

"Taxi drivers are becoming increasingly concerned about the attacks upon them by Bike Worcester. They feel it's unfair and unjustified," said Cllr Udall.

He emphasised that "the vast majority are law abiding professionals, providing a quality public service," and suggested that "the constant attacks from Bike Worcester are beginning to look like an anti-taxi or an anti-car campaign."

Cllr Udall also clarified that taxis are permitted to load and unload passengers on yellow lines, which "may account for some of the issues they are complaining about."

He explained the limitations of enforcement, stating: "Enforcement officers cannot just issue a ticket, they need to wait a few minutes to try to locate the driver or ask the driver to move. CCTV and ANPR parking enforcement is therefore not legal at this location."

Despite these challenges, he asserted that "the area is patrolled regularly and enforcement officers do act and do enforce the rules."

Worcester City Council has pledged to continue enforcing its rules and taking action against offending taxi drivers, while also working with drivers and their representatives to mitigate any problems.


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