Taxi Driver Online

Taxis banned from parking at Ucas during Festival

FEARS of traffic chaos during the Cheltenham Festival have been raised after it emerged taxi drivers will not be allowed to use a popular pick-up point.

Bosses at the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (Ucas) have withdrawn their site after a race-goer assaulted a security guard.

Residents say the Ucas decision will put a major strain on surrounding roads during the four-day event.

In recent years, pre-booked taxis have been allowed to wait for customers in the entrance to Ucas in New Barn Lane.

But Ucas spokesman Darren Barker said the arrangement resulted in a security guard being assaulted during a race meeting in late 2009.

He said: "There was an unfortunate incident when a member of our security staff was assaulted by a race-goer who was waiting for a taxi.

"It was too late to cancel the arrangement in time for last year's Cheltenham Festival.

"However, this year taxis won't be allowed to park in our main entrance."

Prestbury parish councillor Richard Fuller said drivers would be forced to find other places to wait for punters.

"I foresee a major problem in residential areas," he said. "Ucas acting as a pick-up point has been a big help in the past. Taxi drivers are now going to look for an alternative place to park."

Yesterday, Cheltenham Borough Council was unable to comment on whether it would be conducting more parking patrols during race week. However, Mr Fuller said: "We have a good relationship with the borough council.

"They took action during the autumn meeting at the racecourse and we hope they will do the same in March so our streets are kept clear of cars."

Prestbury Parish Council has preempted problems with race-goers spilling onto the streets carrying alcohol.

Racecourse bosses pledged to take preventative action.

Cheltenham Racecourse communications manager Andy Clifton said: "We have an excellent relationship with Prestbury Parish Council.

"Following a recent meeting we have agreed to remind customers not to take drinks off our property when they leave. We will include a message in the race card, signs on the exit routes and make an announcement at the course each day."

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/ ... heltenham/

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