9 Penalty Charge Notices issued in night of enforcement by Council

9 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued to private vehicles parking in a Taxi Rank during an evening of enforcement carried out by North East Lincolnshire Council’s Licensing team.

On Friday, 5 July, officers patrolled Taxi Ranks on Grant Street and in the Marketplace to help raise awareness of the rules and regulations that drivers must adhere to.

The Taxi Ranks are marked with signage in both locations, yellow cross hatched lines with the word taxi running through the middle. The Taxi Rank on Market Street is no stopping between 6pm and 6am except Taxis and Grant Street is no waiting at any time except Taxis. 

Recently, the Council’s Licensing team have been made aware of taxi drivers struggling to park in these zones because of other vehicles taking up the space.

Additionally, these Taxi Ranks ensure that people are getting into licensed, safe taxis.

In light of this, the evening saw members of the Enforcement team, including those from WiSE, issue a total of 9 PCNs to people for various reasons:

• 8 PCNs were issued to private vehicles for parking on the Taxi Rank
• 1 PCN was issued for a car stopping on a pedestrian crossing

Speaking about the outcome, Wayne Crouch, chairman of the Hackney Carriage Association, said: “The Hackney Carriage Association have been concerned about the problem the taxi trade are concerned about private cars and delivery drivers parked on designated taxi ranks.

“We are concerned for the public safety getting into fake taxis and are in support of the council’s actions.”

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, added: “People should feel safe when using taxis in the borough and the licensing regime exists to protect the public.

“The council takes its responsibility for ensuring public safety very seriously and we work with the taxi trade to offer advice and guidance when necessary.”