Taxi drivers lose vital fares as illegal parking on ranks sparks warning from Caerphilly Council
- Perry Richardson
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Caerphilly County Borough Council is urging motorists, residents and local businesses to help keep designated taxi ranks clear after reports of unauthorised parking and obstruction at key locations across the borough.
The authority says concerns have been raised about vehicles parking on taxi ranks, particularly at two locations in Caerphilly town centre, prompting a renewed enforcement effort by the council’s Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs).
Taxi ranks provide dedicated working spaces for licensed hackney carriage drivers, allowing them to wait for fares and provide transport services throughout the day. Council officials say vehicles blocking these areas can prevent taxis from operating effectively and reduce transport availability for passengers.
The council acknowledged that some motorists may not be fully aware of taxi rank restrictions, but stressed that all designated ranks are clearly marked with road signs and road markings. Only hackney carriage vehicles licensed by Caerphilly County Borough Council are permitted to wait on the ranks during their operational hours.
Motorists who park on a taxi rank while restrictions are in force could receive a Penalty Charge Notice. In response to recent complaints, enforcement officers will be increasing monitoring activity at taxi rank locations throughout the borough.
Councillor Philippa Leonard said: “Taxi ranks play a vital role in supporting our licensed taxi trade and ensuring residents and visitors have access to safe and reliable transport.
“We are asking everyone to be mindful of the restrictions in place and to avoid parking on designated ranks, even for short periods. Keeping these spaces clear helps our taxi drivers carry out their work effectively and ensures the ranks remain available for those who rely on them.”
The council also reminded motorists that stopping on a taxi rank to collect school children, pick up takeaway food or undertake other short-duration activities is not permitted during the rank’s operational hours.
The move will be welcomed by many licensed taxi drivers who rely on rank availability to secure work and maintain visibility in town centres. Obstructed ranks can force drivers to circulate unnecessarily or wait elsewhere, reducing efficiency and potentially increasing congestion in busy areas.
Current taxi rank operating hours across the county borough vary by location. The rank on Station Terrace in Caerphilly operates from 4am until midnight, while Castle Court operates between 8am and 6pm. In Blackwood, the Bus Station rank operates 24 hours a day and the High Street rank operates between midday and 6pm. Bargoed’s High Street rank is available from 6pm until 8am, while the North Lane Bus Station rank operates around the clock.
