Last updated at 20:49, Thursday, 19 July 2012

A new taxi rank in the centre of Workington’s Washington Square shopping complex could replace the existing night-time cab rank.

It is just one suggestion put forward in a bid to stop problems with cabs lining up for fares on Washington Street.

A report to Allerdale council’s licensing panel, which will meet next Wednesday, said the issues had resulted in fines, cautions and enforcement action.

The report said: “Problems are created by drivers themselves, performing dangerous manoeuvres, including U-turns, parking through the traffic lights and up Ramsay Brow.

“This blocks the road, preventing the traffic from flowing.

“Complaints have been received from the emergency services about taxis blocking the route.

“This is exacerbated by the fact that the rank is not big enough to accommodate the number of taxis.”

Taxi drivers have approached the council and Cumbria police with alternative sites and a list has been drawn up.

Panel members will be asked to agree to a consultation with cabbies about a better location.

Among the suggestions is a plan to use Risman Place and Steelmen Walk.

The proposed rank would face on to Washington Street, and the report added: “The idea would ensure that people got into the first taxi on the rank, instead of the normal culture of seeing who is the cheapest.”

Other options include the lay-by on Jane Street opposite Sadies Takeaway, Murray Road and the Udale Street car park.

The council’s licensing panel will be asked next Wednesday to agree to a consultation with the taxi trade about the best new location.

It is recommended that a consultation is carried out and cabbies are invited to submit other proposals.

If more options are put forward, they will be discussed with highways staff, police, Allerdale council and other interested parties.

First published at 19:20, Thursday, 19 July 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk