Taxi Drivers Demand Restoration of Rank Spaces

Taxi drivers in Jersey are urging the government to reinstate spaces at a central taxi rank after some were removed to make way for disabled parking bays and bike racks.

Earlier this month, three new disabled parking bays were introduced at Library Place in St Helier, reducing the number of available taxi spaces from three to one. With around 300 taxis operating on the island, drivers argue that the remaining spaces in the town centre are now insufficient to meet demand.

The Infrastructure Minister has defended the decision, stating that consumer habits have shifted, with many passengers now booking taxis through apps rather than using ranks. He also suggested that some taxi drivers had misused rank areas in the past, making the change a better use of space.

Despite this, taxi representatives believe the decision should be reconsidered. They have proposed an alternative solution that would involve relocating bike racks elsewhere in St Helier while maintaining more spaces for taxis at Library Place. Concerns have also been raised that the proposed relocation of a taxi rank to the Esplanade may not be convenient for shoppers and people with mobility issues.

The government has yet to indicate whether any changes to the current arrangement will be considered.