Drivers slate 'rank and vile' shake-up

NOT HAPPY . . . Oldham hackney cab drivers Nakseer Hussain, Nek Alam, Malik Galzar Hussain, Mohammed Fayyaz and Matloob Hussain

CONCERNS have been raised over the "chaotic" and "problematic" nature of Oldham town centre's new taxi rank.

Taxi drivers made complaints about the lack of space, tight turning circle and sharp kerbs which they claim have caused damage to vehicles.

While wheelchairs and pushchairs are being loaded into larger taxis, there is not enough space for smaller vehicles to manoeuvre round them to exit the rank, drivers said.

Oldham Council confirmed "a number of taxi drivers" have contacted them and said officers will meet with them in the new year to discuss concerns.

One driver of 26 years said they were receiving grievances from residents every day over the problems at the modified site, in Yorkshire Street.

Driver's committee member Mohammed Fayyaz said: "I have been driving taxis for 26 years and have never had problems like this.

"The old rank was perfect ­- it had been there for 70 years.

"The main issue is that the road should be wide enough to allow disabled people to get into cars.

"You can't get wheelchairs into cars because there is no space between the kerb and the vehicle.

"If we park so as to allow enough space for the wheelchairs, our other vehicles are held up because they can't get past and are unable to get out to a destination. There is no way out if there are a few cars parked in front.

"We are having to refuse people journeys because of the hold-ups. With Christmas coming there will just be more queues."

Problems are said to have been ongoing for the past three weeks since the rank was re-opened beside the Old Town Hall Odeon cinema complex.

A whole host of issues were raised by Mr Fayyaz who has called on residents to report their concerns to Oldham Council.

He said: "The kerb is too high so getting in and out is very difficult for older residents having to step in and out.

"There is a sharp kerb and some of the cars have been damaged.

"The turning point is very tight and doesn't leave enough room.

"We want to inform the public because we can only do so much. These problems have been caused by the council.

"If anyone has any problems they should call Oldham Council's licensing department or write letters to the council.

"We have had people complaining regularly."

Mr Fayyaz praised the previous rank in Yorkshire Street which he described as perfect.

He added: "It had been there for 70 years.

"We never had a problem with access before. This is causing problems for our drivers and customers."

Councillor Fida Hussain, cabinet member for environmental services, said: "Approach routes have been varied following changes to associated traffic orders.

"A 24-hour dedicated rank is provided on Yorkshire Street with a shared arrangement with loading provided on Greaves Street, again to support the new cinema and restaurant complex.

"The rank has been designed to provide sufficient space for loading and turning but we are aware a number of taxi drivers have contacted the council regarding the new rank.

"Council officers will be meeting them in the new year to discuss their concerns in more detail."