An Edinburgh taxi driver is pleading with the council to "see sense" over the placement of a taxi rank on Market Street.
Davy Macpherson, who has been a black cab driver for over 30 years, says that he has contacted Edinburgh Live in a quest to help his industry that has already suffered during the 18 months of the pandemic.
He says that the East Market Street taxi rank has been moved to the Jeffrey Street end which makes it difficult to reach for those with mobility issues and elderly people exiting Edinburgh Waverley.
He adds that taxi drivers had pointed out the “pitfalls and problems” that would arise if the council decided to move the rank.
On the issue he said: “Just last week I had a young woman with cerebral palsy try to flag me down outside of Brewhemia where we used to be allowed to stop. But I had to tell her that she would have to make her way up East Market Street in order to be able to grab a taxi as we are unable to pick anyone up within 50 feet of a rank - not to mention I was waiting on a job or I would have taken her up there myself.
“The rank is barely visible and is not well sign posted, so it is a wonder how vulnerable people are expected to access a trusted black cab.
“At times you see the private hires flouting the rules with zero repercussions and we ask for the authorities to be consistent in enforcing the rules.
“The rank was originally moved from within the station to out on E Market Street but now we are in no man's land. I understand that the rank was originally moved after a handful of drivers abused the area and double parked but that does not mean that our vulnerable customers have to suffer.
“The council consulted us and we told them that it would not work but they never listened. The past 18 months have been difficult on black cabbies, with many leaving the profession, so all we ask is that common sense is used.”
Davy added that black cab drivers are often professional ambassadors for the capital and that the majority are not in the profession for the money but instead for the people and the city.
He adds that cab drivers have suffered from similar issues at Haymarket where their rank has been placed in a difficult to access location.
On the issue, a council spokesperson said: “We consulted with the taxi trade for some time over these arrangements and feel this is the most appropriate solution. This is likely to be in place for the foreseeable future however we are happy to speak to the trade over any suggested changes they wish to put forward.”
