Sheffield Taxi Drivers Condemn EMR’s Station Traffic Changes

Sheffield’s taxi drivers have strongly criticized East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) new measures aimed at easing congestion at Sheffield Station. The plan includes reducing the number of taxi permits, increasing permit fees, and modifying key pick-up and drop-off areas. Taxi industry representatives argue that these changes unfairly penalize drivers while benefiting private hire vehicles. These concerns echo previous frustrations raised by drivers regarding Sheffield taxi drivers demanding action against congestion issues, highlighting ongoing disputes over station access and operational challenges.

Permit Reductions and Fee Increases

Under EMR’s proposals, the number of taxi permits will be reduced by 30%, from 250 to 177, while the annual permit fee will rise by 65%, reaching £1,140. Cabbies claim that there is no justification for these increases and that the additional financial burden will make it harder for them to operate at the station.

Nouman Khan, of the Sheffield Taxi Trade Association, stated:

"This so-called ‘solution’ is turning our livelihood into a rat race, pitting driver against driver instead of working towards a fair and balanced system."

The changes follow a previous protest in October when black cab drivers refused to renew their £700 permits, demanding that EMR address what they described as a “chaotic traffic environment.” Despite those efforts, drivers now feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed.

Changes to Station Access

EMR’s proposals extend beyond permits, significantly altering how taxis, private hire vehicles, and passengers access Sheffield Station. The plan includes:

• Converting a taxi rank on Cross Turner Street into a 30-minute drop-off zone.
• Closing the public drop-off area and short-stay car park.
• Providing 15 minutes of free parking at Q-Park’s multi-storey car park, which currently charges £2 for 30 minutes.

However, taxi drivers argue that the plan disproportionately affects them while private hire vehicles, such as those from Uber and Veezu, continue to operate at the station without the same restrictions.

Hafeas Rehman, chairperson of the Sheffield Taxi Trade Association, stated:

"We welcome a move in the right direction in trying to resolve a long-standing issue, but once again, taxi drivers are being penalized."

The association has urged EMR to allow all current permit holders to renew and to freeze fee increases until an improved system is put in place.

EMR’s Response and Industry Concerns

EMR has defended the permit cuts, stating that they are necessary due to the removal of the Cross Turner Street taxi rank.

Mike O’Callaghan, head of stations at East Midlands Railway, stated:

"We recognize that this change may create difficulties for drivers, and we are committed to reviewing the number of permits available once the planned improvements are complete."

Additionally, while EMR is working with Sheffield City Council, Uber, and Veezu to relocate private hire pick-ups, there has been no indication that private hire drivers will face similar restrictions to taxi drivers.

Taxi drivers have also questioned why they are expected to bear the financial burden of these changes.

Hafeas Rehman stated:

"We ask: why should taxi drivers have to bankroll these changes? EMR and previous rail operators have been charging taxi drivers for years to work from the station taxi rank—where has that money gone?"

Despite calls for greater transparency, EMR has stated that all revenue it generates is returned to the Treasury rather than being allocated to specific projects. The new taxi permit process is set to begin on April 6, leaving drivers with little time to adjust to the changes.