Ipswich council consultation into waterfront taxi rank

Plans for a new five-place taxi rank on Key Street, next to Pizza Express, will soon be heading to public consultation.

The council says one reason for this is because it will help serve the bars and restaurants in the area. 

However, taxi driver, Mo Ali, has shared his concerns about the proposal after a trial run for a taxi rank on Duke Street 'failed miserably' due to a lack of customers. 

A new taxi rank on the waterfront is set to be open to public consultations. (Image: Shikhar Talwar)

Additionally, he questions whether this is a proportional compensation for the 10 lost taxi ranks on Lloyds Avenue, following the approval of the pedestrianisation plans. 

He added that this has meant that he and other drivers have "lost trust" in the council. 

Cllr John Cook said that the waterfront needs more taxis. (Image: Ipswich Labour Party)  Cllr John Cook, portfolio holder for sports and communities at Ipswich Borough Council, believes that the waterfront is a vibrant place in need of accessible taxis. 

He said: “The Waterfront is a thriving part of Ipswich, with an array of bars and restaurants attracting people from all over the borough and beyond to enjoy the entertainment and hospitality they provide.

“The proposed taxi rank at the Waterfront is in a prime location close to these hospitality venues, which will benefit drivers, passengers, and trade alike."

Ipswich Borough Council recently revealed the new look of Lloyds Avenue which will see the current taxi rank halved. (Image: Ipswich Borough Council) The approval of pedestrianisation plans for Lloyds Avenue meant that the 21-space taxi rank would be halved.

Read More: Ipswich Borough Council reveals new look of Lloyds Avenue

When these plans were introduced to the council's executive committee in June, Cllr Cook said that they were looking for other places in the town centre to place taxis. 

However, he said the council is not looking for any additional places other than the waterfront at the moment, but emphasised that any viable opportunity will be considered. 

Mr Ali has had support from the local Green Party in his campaign. (Image: Shikhar Talwar)  Mr Ali is amongst the drivers who has long opposed the Lloyds Avenue plans and said that this is not the best alternative. 

"The taxi rank trial they held failed miserably and drivers that were encouraged to line up at the rank near the waterfront lost trade as no customers entered," he said.

"It was a total waste of time and money.

"Sadly we all lost trust and any sign of support from the council."