Taxi Driver Online

DISGRUNTLED taxi operators in Truro have accused Cornwall Council of "harassing" drivers and harming business because of tough parking restrictions which even ban them from using the loo.

Malcolm Slater, of Truro Taxi Cab, and David Randall, of Truro Taxis, branded the council's regulations nothing more than a "money-making" scheme.

Both drivers have received penalty charge notices (PCN), costing £35 or £70, for allegedly contravening city centre parking restrictions, which stipulate drivers parked in designated ranks cannot:

● Park in them unless available for trade;

● Take comfort breaks (use the toilet);

● Leave the vehicle for more than 10 minutes.

Mr Slater successfully appealed against his fine, which was given in December 2008 while he was waiting for a passenger to do her shopping. "I was waiting by the Piazza on Lemon Quay when I was given a PCN. The law states that as a hackney carriage operator I can wait as long as is necessary to collect a passenger – the council seems to be totally disregarding this," he said.

Disabled

"Under the council's own regulations I am unable to help customers, some of whom are disabled, who want prescriptions or shopping collecting or help getting into venues, because I am fearful of leaving my taxi and getting a ticket.

"It's ridiculous and now the council is planning to take on more traffic wardens – it is harassment."

Mr Randall, who is appealing against a PCN issued last February, claims the council is destroying business in the city.

"It's regulations are heavy-handed and uncalled for, it is detrimental to business. I avoid working in the day because I end up arguing with traffic wardens. It's stressful and intimidating to drivers," he said.

Mr Randall believes the current recession has made matters worse, with more than 30 taxis vying for business in just 14 taxi rank spaces.

A statement from Cornwall Council's parking services said: "Taxis are not exempt from waiting restrictions. A 10-minute observation period is allowed for those restrictions where observation times apply. If there is no evidence of picking up or setting down passengers or loading or unloading then a Penalty Charge Notice will be issued. Each appeal will be dealt with on its own merits."

source: http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/homepagenews/

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