Posted on the 11th November 2026 in PHTM News

MALVERN TAXI DRIVERS DEMAND RETURN OF REMOVED RANKS AS INCOME AND SAFETY FEARS GROW

Taxi drivers in Malvern say they are facing financial hardship and growing safety concerns for passengers after several key taxi ranks were removed across the town.

Drivers are demanding the immediate reinstatement of spaces following changes made by Worcestershire County Council at Edith Walk, near the Post Office, and at Great Malvern railway station, where taxi rank markings were painted over overnight around six weeks ago.

Sue Penny, owner of Sue’s Taxi and Classic Cabs, revealed that three taxi spaces were removed in the area and claimed drivers were never informed about the consultation process beforehand. She also noted that no official taxi forum had taken place since the Covid pandemic. 

Beyond the physical removals, Ms Penny highlighted enforcement failures near the Post Office, where spaces designated for four taxis after 5.30pm are routinely blocked by other vehicles. 

She warned that missing ranks have severely affected drivers' incomes while putting customers at risk, with passengers forced to cross roads in dangerous positions to find a cab.

The loss of ranks has proved particularly damaging for local drivers relying on station trade. Taxi driver Shamreez Akhtar explained that around 90 per cent of his business previously came from Great Malvern railway station, but many former customers now turn to Uber because there is no signage indicating that traditional taxis are waiting on the other side of the road. 

Highlighting the stark financial impact, Mr Akhtar recalled receiving zero jobs during the recent Autumn Quilting and Sewing Show - an event that normally drives high demand. 

Having invested £30,000 in a new taxi alongside £350 in licensing fees, he stated: “I am now struggling with this combined with the weight of paying off my mortgage,” before adding, “We want our taxi ranks back.”

In response to the backlash, Worcestershire County Council defended the alterations, stating that the rank changes at Edith Walk and near the Post Office followed the full statutory process required for a Traffic Regulation Order. 

A council spokesperson explained that officials consulted statutory stakeholders - including Malvern Hills District Council, Malvern Town Council, West Mercia Police, the local Taxi Licensing Officer, and trade representatives - before publicly advertising the proposals. 

The council confirmed that "no objections were received during the public advertising periods and, as a result, the Order was formally made."


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