Posted on the 3rd August 2026 in PHTM News

CALLS FOR ACTION OVER TAXIS ILLEGALLY PARKING AT ST ALBANS CITY STATION

Train bosses are facing mounting pressure to stop taxi drivers from ignoring restrictions in the Ridgemont Road car park at St Albans City train station.

Despite clear signage prohibiting taxis, local cabbies continue to block the area near the Platform 4 entrance, creating severe congestion for pedestrians and other motorists, especially during evening hours.

Frustrated residents are calling on rail operator Thameslink, parking management firm APCOA, and St Albans District Council to step in with firm enforcement.

One local resident urged authorities to "send a licensing enforcement officer on-site to investigate and enforce appropriate penalties," adding: "I doubt that informal warnings would be effective; I would advocate revocation of licences if taxi operators persist and do not use the official taxi rank outside the main station entrance on Platform 1."

Responding to the concerns, a Thameslink spokesperson stated that they are aware of the issue and have introduced measures to manage the car park.

"This has included the use of ad-hoc taxi marshalling, to enforce restrictions at the station, and installing ANPR cameras at the main taxi rank," the spokesperson explained, noting that private hire vehicles are permitted in the 20-minute pick-up zone only if they have a confirmed booking arriving within that window.

They emphasised their goal to ensure passengers and drivers can use the station "easily, safely and fairly."

Parking enforcement company APCOA confirmed that it acts under Thameslink's direction, adding that "any taxis found illegally ranking within the car park or occupying premier parking bays are issued with a parking charge."

Although St Albans District Council lacks jurisdiction over the private land - which is owned and controlled by Network Rail and Govia Thameslink - local councillor Sean Hughes is monitoring the situation, and the council has sent informal reminders to drivers urging them not to block the car park.


Read another story