Castle Wynd taxi rank closure date revealed by Inverness Taxis Alliance
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A CITY centre taxi rank is expected to be removed in January as part of a wider project to redevelop the surrounding area.
The rank at Castle Wynd has long been earmarked for removal, despite widespread unhappiness among drivers and many passengers who find it convenient.
A Highland Council spokesman said more information would be made available when an exact date for the removal had been identified – but Inverness Taxi Alliance are this evening telling the public it will close on January 6.
Inverness city centre manager David Haas said earlier this week: “The proposals for Castle Wynd were agreed through the city of Inverness area committee after several meetings with taxi trade representatives at which all options were discussed.”
Despite this, the Inverness Taxis Alliance has objected to the move and plans to make an official complaint to the public service ombudsman.
Alliance chairman Andrew MacDonald said this evening: "I received an email from David Haas today confirming the closure of the Castle Wynd rank on January 6 and thanking the alliance for their co-operation!
"This despite a 3600-signature petition from the public to leave this lifeline rank open. No feasible, safe or workable alternative has been agreed and we were told by a council official that unless we withdrew our objections 'all offers would be off the table'. This statement, witnessed by all present, is now denied but has, nevertheless come to pass.
"What price your 'majority' of drivers and operators not wanting a tariff increase in the face of this duplicity and patronising behaviour. The public are the losers here as well as the taxi trade.
"The town will lose a precious service resource and if the tariff review produces a fare increase an iniquitous and unjustified and unnecessary penalty on the general public."
Related article:
- Taxi wars between Inverness drivers and Highland Council to step up a gear
- 'No more space for taxis in city centre'
