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Police swoop on drivers illegally blocking taxi ranks after complaints from Morecambe cabbies
Police and council officers have taken action in Morecambe after complaints that vehicles were blocking designated taxi ranks and preventing licensed taxis from using them.
Morecambe Area Police said officers worked in partnership with Lancaster City Council during the afternoon operation after concerns were raised about vehicles being parked in spaces reserved for taxis.
According to police, officers spoke to a number of people who were using the bays illegally. The force said the parking was preventing taxis from stopping in the designated areas and dropping off passengers.
The action will be welcomed by drivers who rely on designated taxi bays to provide access to passengers and maintain an orderly supply of licensed vehicles in busy areas.
Police also used the operation to speak directly with taxi drivers about problems affecting the bays and other licensing-related concerns.
Drivers were advised to report issues directly to Lancaster City Council’s Taxi Licensing Department, providing a route for recurring problems to be raised with the authority responsible for taxi licensing.
Morecambe Area Police said: “We spoke to a number of people who were using these bays illegally which prevents taxis parking and dropping off.”
The force added: “We also engaged with the Taxi drivers to advise them to report any issues to the Taxi Licensing Department direct.”
Taxi ranks provide licensed drivers with specific stopping and waiting space, meaning obstruction can restrict their ability to serve passengers from the locations provided for that purpose.
