Guildford Taxi Rank Changes Planned for North Street Regeneration

Guildford’s town centre is undergoing a significant redevelopment, prompting major changes to taxi ranks across the area. As part of the North Street regeneration project, several existing taxi ranks will be relocated or closed to accommodate construction work. According to Guildford Borough Council, these adjustments will take effect in early summer 2025 to ensure minimal disruption for local residents and businesses. These changes come amid ongoing concerns within the local taxi industry, including challenges faced by Guildford taxi drivers due to reduced fares, which have impacted their livelihoods and service availability.

Councillor Merel Rehorst-Smith, lead councillor for licensing, stated:

"These adjustments will help maintain efficient services and prioritise public convenience as Guildford undergoes this exciting redevelopment."

Key Changes to Taxi Ranks

A number of temporary taxi ranks will be introduced, while some existing locations will be permanently removed. The following changes have been confirmed:

• The lower High Street’s parking bays will serve as a temporary taxi rank.
• A section of double yellow lines on Bedford Road, outside St James House, will be designated as a night-time taxi rank.
• The Friary Centre taxi rank on North Street will be temporarily closed.
• The taxi rank outside Marks & Spencer on North Street will be permanently removed as the area becomes pedestrianised.

Once the North Street redevelopment is complete, Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council will review the number and locations of taxi ranks to ensure adequate provisions for licensed taxis.

Taxi Ranks Remaining Unchanged

Despite the temporary disruptions, several existing taxi ranks will remain operational throughout the redevelopment:

• Parking bays adjacent to Bedford Road Surface Car Park, offering seven spaces available from 6 pm to 8:30 am.
• A single yellow line outside Dolphin House on North Street, providing 11 spaces operating 24/7.
• Five spaces outside Pizza Express and Oxfam on the Upper High Street, available from 6 pm to 8:30 am.
• The Millbrook (A281) bus stop outside the Legion nightclub, which has four spaces available from 10:30 pm to 4:30 am.
• Guildford Railway Station, typically offering around 10 taxi spaces.
• London Road Railway Station, which features three taxi spaces.

These changes are designed to support the smooth operation of transportation services while ensuring that Guildford’s redevelopment progresses according to plan.