Taxi Driver Online

Station taxi limit 'ridiculous' - MP

Angry Hackney carriage drivers have branded a decision to allow only 10 cabs into Northampton Station at any one time as "ridiculous", warning the rule will end up hitting commuters.

Meteor Parking Ltd, the firm appointed to oversee the station's taxi rank, has imposed the new rule under a fresh agreement offered to the town's Hackney carriage drivers.

Under the current agreement, cabbies can pull up in an overspill car park inside the station and are able to join the taxi rank when a space becomes available.

However, under the terms of the new contract, which is being delivered to Hackney carriage drivers, only 10 drivers will be allowed into the station at any one time and cabs will have to instead circle the area while they wait for a space.

Joe Matthews, chairman of the Northampton Hackney Association, said the move would hit cab drivers financially and end up harming commuters. He said: "They don't seem to worry about the affect it will have on their customers. They won't get picked up and they will just have to wait."

From May 21, Hackney carriage drivers will have to pay £257.14 for a permit to allow them entry into the station for the rest of the year, and until April 2011. Drivers who break the terms of the contract risk being banned from the station.

Mr Matthews said during rush hour, especially when train services were delayed, more than 30 taxis are required to meet demand. He said: "What do we do with the cars that aren't allowed in? Where do the drivers go? We can't just drive round and round and round. It is ridiculous."

He added: "We need to earn a living and we are fighting for survival. "Things are bad enough as it is. This is just like a hole in the head."

Brian Binley, MP for Northampton South, has already written to Northampton Borough Council and London Midland to express his "serious concern".

He said: "People like me and other customers come out of the station and need a taxi. Taxi drivers are a vital part of our public transport and there will be no way for them to top up the rank."

_________________
IDFIMH

Then they all drive onto the forecourt and stay there until the Railway see's sense.

If they all feel equally aggrieved, which I'm sure they do, it's hardly a great challenge to organise a drive in. The forecourt isn't that big and would fill up quickly.

I'm sure I've heard of them somewhere before





I'm sure the Council have green plans, 30 or so Taxis driving round will not help the Council's green plans



10 cars won't be able to clear a full train



Drivers having to pay to take the train companies passengers home are once again being used as a cash cow.




When it's rush hour and the drivers are pushed don't pick up from the Station.



It's coming to a station near everyone I'm afraid







Try telling that to the Train companies.

Get in tough with the rail regulator there is a link on here somewhere with an email address

Good idea but isn't he just for the railways?

The Rail Regulator is sort of OFT for anything relating to stations and trains.

_________________
IDFIMH

Perhaps they could get together and form a rolling road block coming up from the rugby ground over the river to the station in rush hour that ought to get everyones attention

It isn't the biggest station forecourt but there is surely room for more than 10 or is it that meteor parking want more room for cars paying to park there