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St Helens taxi ranks face major reshuffle under town centre regeneration plans
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet is set to consider proposals to relocate existing hackney carriage ranks and establish several new stands across the town centre, with a decision due to be discussed on Wednesday 2 September.
Under the plans, existing ranks at Church Street north and south, Bridge Street and Exchange Street would be removed. Replacement 24-hour stands would be provided on the north section of Bridge Street, Hall Street, Shaw Street, Claughton Street and at two locations on Ormskirk Street.
Further evening-only provision is proposed for Baldwin Street, Cotham Street, North John Street, Westfield Street east and west, Waterloo Street and Bridge Street. The changes could alter where licensed taxi drivers position themselves during both daytime and night-time trading periods.
The council said consultation and engagement with the local taxi trade took place earlier this year, with suggestions from drivers incorporated into the proposals. The authority is required to keep taxi rank provision under review as passenger demand, development and travel patterns change.
The review comes as highways enabling works progress around Hall Street ahead of a new drainage system serving the planned St Helens Transport Interchange and Phase One regeneration development. Temporary road arrangements are already in place while the work continues.
Councillor Sharon Roughley, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “Hackney carriage services are an important part of our transport network, helping people travel safely and conveniently across the borough.
"The recommendations being considered by Cabinet are intended to ensure that taxi rank provision continues to meet the needs of residents, visitors and the licensed trade, while supporting ongoing improvements to our town centres and public spaces.
"We look forward to discussing the proposals and considering the benefits they could bring for passengers and drivers alike."
