Yeovil Taxi Ranks Overhaul to Improve Service and Accessibility

Significant changes are underway for Yeovil’s taxi ranks as part of Somerset Council’s Yeovil Refresh town centre regeneration project. The project, funded by central government grants, aims to enhance accessibility and attract both visitors and businesses to the area. Similar redevelopment efforts in other towns, such as the relocation of taxi ranks in Guildford amid a major town centre redevelopment, have set a precedent for Yeovil’s current plans.

Following a 12-month consultation, the council's executive committee has approved several alterations. Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities, culture, equalities, and diversity, emphasized:

"As part of the Yeovil Refresh, we need to look at the hackney carriage rank positions within the town centre, to make sure that we have the right model for those who need them both in the daytime and the night-time."

The changes include relocating the Silver Street taxi rank to Princes Street, removing the two-car rank on Stars Lane, and introducing night-time-only spaces in the Stars Lane car park. The Lower Middle Street rank will be replaced by a loading bay.

Other ranks will remain but undergo modifications, with continued monitoring of some areas for potential future adjustments.