GETTING TO AND FROM WIMBLEDON: No shared taxis, but black cab pick-up and drop-off points revealed

The eagerly anticipated start of the All England Lawn Tennis Championships (Wimbledon) 2021 is edging closer. The summer event will take place between Monday 28 June and Sunday 11 July and it is always worth noting that play is not scheduled to take place on Sunday 4 July.

Owing to ongoing coronavirus restrictions, this is an unprecedented year and spectator numbers are sadly likely to be reduced. As ever, taxi services play a vital role in helping visitors safely get to and from the Championships.

Due to the pandemic there will be a few changes. Drivers and the public attending Wimbledon should be aware that there will be no fixed-fare or shared taxi trips this year.

According to Transport for London (TfL) sources this is to support government guidance on social distancing and for the safety and comfort of both drivers and passengers.

In a notice sent to all cab drivers, TfL said: “It is vital that all licensed drivers and private hire operators that are planning to serve the Championships, or work locally, make themselves aware of designated drop-off and pick-up points, planned road closures in the area and parking restrictions.”

The most notable road closure can be found on Church Road. The road will be closed to all vehicles, except emergency vehicles, between (All England Lawn Tennis Club) AELTC Gates 1 and 5. This will be strictly enforced with barriers preventing access.

So where can I be dropped off when travelling in a black cab?

Taxis coming from the direction of Southfields should travel along Wimbledon Park Road and enter Car Park Gate 8 and drop their passengers where directed. Taxis should then follow the internal road and exit back onto Wimbledon Park Road, close to the Wimbledon Park entrance. There will be an accessible drop off point on Church Road, close to Car Park Gate 8.

Taxis coming from the direction of Wimbledon should drop their passengers in Somerset Road, close to the junction with Marryat Road. Taxis should access this point via the Somerset Road/Burghley Road junction. There will be an accessible drop off point in Somerset Road, close to AELTC Gate 13.

And where can I find a taxi after the event?

Southfields Station

A temporary taxi rank in Augustus Road, near Southfields Station (Rank No. 5639), will be in operation. The taxi rank in Wimbledon Park Road, outside Southfields Station (Rank No. 5619), will not be in operation.

Wimbledon Station

The taxi rank at Wimbledon Station (Rank No. 6099) will operate as normal.

Church Road – All England Lawn Tennis Club

The head of the taxi rank will be on the golf course estate road, adjacent to AELTC Gate 4 and will be fully accessible to wheelchair users. There will be a feeder rank on Church Road, a short distance south of AELTC Gate 5. Taxis will be directed into the golf course, as required, where professional taxi marshals will be in attendance to assist passengers. Taxis will then follow the internal road and exit onto Church Road via Car Park Gate 8. The feeder rank will be for a maximum of 16 taxis.

A check point will be in place to prevent taxis joining the rank when it is full. Taxis should return to the rear of the rank via Parkside and Church Road.

Somerset Road – All England Lawn Tennis Club

There will be a temporary taxi rank in Somerset Road, near to AELTC Gate 13 (Rank No. 5588), where professional taxi marshals will be in attendance to assist passengers. This rank will be fully accessible to wheelchair users. Taxis will only be able to access this rank via the Somerset Road/Burghley Road junction. This taxi rank is for a maximum of 8 taxis. A check point will be in place to prevent taxis joining the rank when it is full.

Pre-booked taxis

Pre-booked taxis should collect their passengers in Marryat Road.