Posted on the 17th October 2025 in PHTM News

ANPR CAMERAS AT MERRY HILL PRIVATE TAXI RANK SPARK CONTROVERSY OVER FINES

The installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and signage in Setember, at the private taxi rank outside Merry Hill Shopping Centre (near the ASDA entrance) in Brierley Hill, has led to controversy, with drivers who are not registered with the rank's leaseholder facing £100 fines.

The rank is currently leased by Merry Hill to Triple 20 Taxis, which won the tender in Winter 2023, replacing Waterfront Cars. Triple 20 said Waterfront Cras were instructed by Merry Hill to vacate the rank in June 2024.

Triple 20 Taxis claimed it installed the cameras as a “last resort” after Waterfront Cars allegedly failed to vacate the rank, which it claimed was having a negative impact on business.

Imran Ahmed from Triple 20 Taxis stated: “Unfortunately, the actions of one small firm have had an impact on others, but for us this was a measure of last resort.” 

He noted the cameras were installed on September 8 but not switched on until September 18, to give other firms and the public “a chance to be aware of the change.”

Councillor Kash Khan (pictured) for Cradley North and Wollescote raised concerns after drivers and a constituent reported being fined, citing a lack of publicity.

He said: “You won’t know you will get fined until you are already in the space, as you can’t read the sign from far away. It’s not been publicised, and it seems to be a bit over the top.” 

He added that the enforcement seems unfair as “People are unaware of the change and, with the enforcement over who uses the taxi rank having been more lenient in the past, it seems unfair.”

Mr Ahmed added that the firm itself does not make any money from the fines, with this going to the company responsible for the cameras, and offered the opportunity to Waterfront Cars drivers to work under its brand with no charge to use to rank, which he said was refused.

However, Waterfront Cars “categorically denies” the allegations of abusive behaviour or failing to comply with the transfer.

Mohamad Ali from Waterfront Cars claimed the cameras were installed for an “anti-competitive purpose... to physically block rival firms, which have been pre-booked by customers, from accessing that location to pick up their passengers.”

Jonathan Poole, Centre Manager of Merry Hill, confirmed that the rank has been privately leased for years and that a new provider took over following a “fair and public tender process.” 

He stated that the new cameras and signage were installed “to ensure clarity for those seeking a location to pick up and drop off visitors” and highlighted “multiple other” collection and drop-off points around the centre.

Triple 20 Taxis has since offered an “olive branch” to members of the public with a wheelchair accessible vehicle to use the rank without charge if they register via email.


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