Posted on the 21st January 2026 in PHTM News
GRIDLOCK IN LICHFIELD: TAXI DRIVERS STAGE 'GO-SLOW' PROTESTS OVER CITY PEDESTRIANISATION
Commuters are braced for a second wave of traffic disruption this afternoon as hackney carriage drivers continue their "go-slow" protests against the city’s controversial pedestrianisation scheme.
Members of the RMT union are set to blockade key routes between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm today, January 21, 2026.
The convoy will travel from Frog Lane, past the Council House, and along Birmingham Road to the Bowling Green roundabout. The action follows a similar protest on Monday, with a third demonstration already scheduled for Friday.
The dispute centres on the pedestrianised zone completed in September 2024. Drivers argue the layout has crippled their ability to operate, citing poor access to ranks and a lack of safety mitigations.
RMT Regional Organiser John Watson warned that drivers have been pushed to the brink after two years of failed dialogue.
“Our hackney carriage members in Lichfield have tried to be reasonable, but their patience has run out,” Mr. Watson said.
“The pedestrianised zone by itself is not the issue, but what our members are demanding is proper mitigation so that drivers can work safely, ranks are sensibly located, and livelihoods are protected.”
Mr. Watson accused councillors of refusing to meet with drivers, adding: “These go-slow protests are a last resort and we remain ready to talk and to find a permanent solution.”
Lichfield District Council has acknowledged the drivers' frustrations - including growing concerns regarding the presence of Uber in the city—but signalled that the pedestrianisation policy is unlikely to be reversed.
A spokesperson for the council emphasised that their priority is the safety of the general public and the accessibility of the city centre.
“We’re aware that taxi drivers would like continued access through pedestrianised areas," the spokesperson said. “Our focus remains on ensuring residents and visitors can enjoy Lichfield safely, day and night, with a range of transport options available including taxis, buses, trains and private hire.”
The protest is timed to hit the peak evening rush hour, specifically targeting the roads surrounding the Council House.
Drivers maintain that their "low-impact solutions" have been dismissed, leaving them with no choice but to disrupt the city's arteries to make their voices heard.
The council, however, maintains it is looking at the "wider picture" of transport in the city, balancing the needs of drivers against the safety of pedestrians.
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