Highways officials in Sheffield drew up the list of new ranks after it became apparent that certain areas of the city centre were not well enough served by cabs, particularly at night.

Trials began in 18 new areas where taxi drivers could pick up fares for an 18-month period, allowing nearby traders and residents to object if increased traffic or noise became a nuisance.

In a report to Sheffield Council's city centre, south and east planning and highways board, John Bann, the authority's head of transport and highways, said the experiment has largely proved a success.

But two of the taxi ranks have proved unpopular – one in Eldon Street, which was designed to serve the busy Division Street bar area, and a second in West Street, which links thecity centre and the university.

In the report Mr Bann said: "The occupier of the restaurant premises adjacent to the West Street taxi rank has objected to its introduction, stating that it was not well used and was causing difficulty for delivery vehicles.

"The Eldon Street rank was installed to provide a formal alternative to the unofficial ranking on Division Street outside the Forum. It has not been used by operators."

Mr Bann has recommended to councillors that the Eldon Street rank be abandoned, but adds that the West Street rank should be retained with further monitoring of its operations.

An experimental rank which was not being used outside the Showroom Cinema in Paternoster Row and another in Mappin Street will also be scrapped, leaving 15 of the 18 trial ranks in place.

Hafeas Rehman, of the Sheffield Taxi Trade Federation, welcomed the permanent adoption of the new ranks in the city
centre, but said there were not still enough to meet the demand from passengers.

Sheffield's taxis were deregulated several years ago, leading to twice the number of taxis taking to the road in the city. Since then drivers have continually argued that there is not enough space

for all the cabs.

Mr Rehman said: "There are not enough ranks and even with the permanent introduction of these new ones there still won't be enough.

"We have recently lost a rank at Sheffield bus station in Pond Street without any consultation, which means that the 12 drivers who worked out of there will now be back on the other ranks.

"There has been too much of an emphasis on night-time, which is not so much
of a problem. It is the daytime drivers who are now struggling because there is not enough space for them on the streets.

"We also need taxi ranks in the outer areas of the city, like Hillsborough, where there is no provision at the moment.

"I think the council are doing their best but the shortfall is not being met."

A final decision on whether to allow the taxi ranks to continue operating will be made by the planning board at a meeting next Monday, June 18.

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/local-news?articleid=2953487