SAFE TRAVEL: Night of Chelmsford taxi rank enforcement saw cabbies ‘inundated with work’

Image credit: Daniel Winter

A night of taxi rank enforcement saw cabbies ‘inundated with work’ in Chelmsford.

Chelmsford City Council licensing officers joined Essex Police in a night-time operation that aimed to clear the city’s busiest working taxi rank. The enforcement operation comes after several complaints from the public and those working in the taxi industry.

The enforced rank allowed taxi drivers to be ‘inundated’ with passengers requiring their services. The lead up to the festive period is seen as one of the busiest times for taxi drivers and the night time-economy.

Daniel Winter, Lead Licensing Officer at Chelmsford City Council, said via social media: “After numerous complaints were received regarding abused parking from delivery drivers and local residents on its busiest taxi rank in town, Chelmsford City Council Licensing Team partnered up with Essex Police and Parking Enforcement to help spread the word that the rank should be freed up for the taxis to help the night-time economy get home safely after a night out.

“After numerous enforcement measures were taken the rank was cleared and our taxis were inundated with work. Even though it is not sustainable until the long-term problems are fixed, it felt like a win on the night.

“Thanks to Essex Police and Chelmsford Parking Enforcement for their help.”