Transport for London is warning cab drivers that enforcement officers are to be deployed to observe behaviour at the Waterloo Station taxi rank where they will “remind” drivers of the rules covering designated ranking areas.
TfL says the action is prompted by “an increasing number of taxis” lining up beyond the designated area with lines of cabs seen to extend onto Addington Street and, on occasion, even around the corner onto York Road.
John Mason, Director of Taxi and Private Hire, said: “We appreciate cabs lining up at this rank are doing their best in the current financial situation to ply their trade but over-ranking at Waterloo is causing problems for buses and other road users. Rather than just start issuing penalties, I have arranged for traffic wardens to spend time, on street, for the next couple of weeks to remind drivers of the importance of sticking to the designated rank. By going down and speaking to the regular users of this rank, I hope the need to issue penalties to taxis can be avoided.”
Drivers are being warned that anyone committing offences after 12th October “are likely” to receive a penalty charge.
Tim says
They do the same at Liverpool St station. Waiting on Bishopsgate in the left hand lane when the Liverpool Street rank is completely full. Although I have seen the Police move them on in the morning rush hour.