The council’s taxi compliance and parking services are carrying out the joint
patrols to stop other vehicles from parking in the ranks which are reserved for
taxis (black cabs) only.
The ranks are clearly signed ‘taxis only’ and are located in sites close to the
city centre. They offer convenient access for customers who may choose to
use black cabs due to a disability.
Black cabs are wheelchair accessible and their drivers are trained on the best
ways to support customers with accessibility needs.
Officers are currently carrying out regular patrols, including at nighttime and
over the weekend. They are warning any motorists thinking of using a taxi
rank to find alternative parking or face a penalty.
Last year, more than 100 Penalty Charge Notices of £70 were issued for the
misuse of taxi ranks.
Councillor Craig Collingswood, cabinet member for environment and climate
change, said: “Our taxi ranks are for black cabs only. Other vehicles should not
be using them.
“The ranks are conveniently located to support passengers with accessibility
needs and this inconsiderate use is making it harder for people to enjoy a visit
to Wolverhampton.
“We want to make sure our city is welcoming and accessible to everyone and
the misuse of these ranks by other drivers is both thoughtless and illegal. We
will not hesitate to issue Penalty Charge Notices to any drivers misusing our
taxi ranks.”
Anyone caught using the taxi ranks is warned they face a Penalty Charge
Notice (PCN) of £70 reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days of service.
Motorists are reminded that they can check for convenient parking at
www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/parking-and-roads/city-centre-car-parks
