Chelmsford Taxi Drivers Oppose Beaulieu Park Station Permit Fees

Chelmsford City Council’s plan to charge taxi drivers between £500 to £1,500 for permits to operate at the new Beaulieu Park railway station has drawn strong opposition from local taxi drivers. The council, which owns the land allocated for the new station taxi rank, intends to limit the number of taxis allowed access, initially issuing only 50 permits in the first year.

Chelmsford Taxi Drivers Association Responds

The Chelmsford Taxi Drivers Association has criticized the proposal, claiming it is unjust and unlawful for the council to profit from the licensed trade. The association argues that taxi drivers already pay fees to license their vehicles and should not be charged additional fees for using a local rank.

The association also warned of potential legal challenges if the council moves forward with the charges. The association emphasized that denying locally licensed taxis access to the rank would be an offense and a waste of public funds.

The Chelmsford Taxi Drivers Association stated:

"Any refusal to allow a locally licensed hackney carriage vehicle from using a locally adopted taxi rank would be an offence and a complete waste of council funds, and any suggestion otherwise would be, in our opinion, misplaced."

Potential Impact on Public Safety

The association expressed concerns that the proposed restrictions could discourage taxis from operating at the station, potentially reducing the availability of taxis for passengers. They urged the council to prioritize ensuring enough taxis are available to safely transport the public, especially during peak times.

Council’s Defense

Chelmsford City Council defended the proposal, explaining that as the landowner, they are responsible for managing access to the taxi rank. The council’s spokesperson stated:

"On Thursday, January 23, the council’s Regulatory Committee agreed to a consultation regarding the proposal for use of the taxi rank at Beaulieu Park station to require a permit."

The consultation is open for six weeks, allowing taxi operators, drivers, and other stakeholders to provide feedback before the final decision is made.