Local residents hospital access fears caused by Paddington “Pop-up” taxi rank are rejected by London

A row has erupted with residents who live near Paddington station over a "pop-up" taxi rank which has emerged outside the Hilton Hotel in Praed Street.

It was reported in My London that a number of residents are complaining about the noise and pollution emanating from idling taxis.

There was also an accusation from one resident that taxis were actively blocking emergency vehicles from accessing St Mary's Hospital. This accusation was however, completely debunked by the London Ambulance Service who told My London that there were no “significant issues” with congestion on Praed Street.

Westminster Council, who have received a number of complaints, have deployed street marshals to try and alleviate the situation and the council's cabinet member for environment, Tim Mitchell, said: "We’re continuing to monitor the situation, and working with TfL and others to find a permanent solution." What seems to have become apparent, according to some of the complaints received is that there are concerns from the taxi industry that there could be what is seen as an element of a witch-hunt against a trade which is investing millions of pounds in cleaner, greener taxis. What also seems to have been omitted is the fact that Eastbourne Terrace is a bus terminus point, with buses also creating noise and pollution, Plus there are a plethora of building works within the surrounding area, all of which require the use of noisy and polluting machinery Without doubt there is a need for a rank on the Praed Street side of the station, given the amount of people that wish to take a taxi from that particular stretch of Road. Image Source: Geograph Image Author: Stephen McKay