Praed Street pop-up taxi rank sees nearly 300 PCNs issued as enforcement intensifies
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Nearly 300 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have been issued to taxi drivers operating around Praed Street near Paddington, as enforcement activity linked to a controversial “pop-up rank” intensifies.
According to information shared within trade newspaper TAXI, PCNs have been issued both before and after the Hilton London Paddington Hotel, as well as on nearby Craven Road. The volume of tickets marks a significant escalation in enforcement at a location that has been under monitoring by Transport for London (TfL) and Westminster City Council.
Industry representatives say the situation has shifted rapidly from informal management to strict penalty enforcement, with drivers no longer being given grace periods or informal warnings. Instead, tickets are now being issued immediately, with notices also sent by post even where drivers leave the area quickly.
The scale of enforcement is raising operational concerns for drivers who have historically used the location to pick up fares linked to Paddington Station. The area’s importance as a transport hub means any restriction or enforcement change can have a direct impact on earning potential and journey efficiency.
Drivers warned to avoid Paddington hotspot as TfL-backed enforcement escalates with immediate penalties
There are also warnings that continued non-compliance could trigger further regulatory changes. Trade sources suggest authorities may consider designating sections of Praed Street as bus and cycle-only zones if the current situation does not stabilise. Such a move would effectively remove access for taxis altogether, significantly altering traffic flow and rank availability in the area.
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has advised drivers to avoid using the location for ranking purposes altogether, even where demand appears high. Concerns have also been raised that challenging PCNs issued in this area may prove difficult, with drivers told that appeals or compliance complaints are unlikely to succeed under current enforcement conditions.
Paul Kirby, LTDA Senior Officer Executive, said: “Nearly 300 PCNs have been issued for both Praed Street, before and after the Hilton Hotel, and on Craven Road.
“If this issue does not get resolved with PCN enforcement then the authorities may consider making this particular part of Praed Street into a Buses and Cycles Only area, which no one wants.
“The LTDA have also been informed that should any driver receive a PCN or a TfL Compliance complaint at this location, then any challenge or response will not be accepted.
“If you are passing and you get hailed it’s absolutely fine but any drivers still using this location to rank for work, PLEASE DO NOT, otherwise you risk facing the consequences.
“Please don’t give your hard-earned money to the council or risk your Bill with compliance issues.”
