TAXI drivers are infuriated by electricity works which cut their rank to just a couple of spaces.
They say Hillingdon Council failed to provide temporary provision for them as promised.
Work started on Monday two weeks ago in Uxbridge High Street, outside the Market House. Hillingdon Council had agreed to provide a temporary taxi rank, but not until last Friday.
It is the latest row relating to the electricity works in Uxbridge High Street, which are continuing throughout this month.
The rank has space for seven vehicles, but it was reduced to just two to facilitate Southern Electric’s work.
Gary Wilding, a cab driver who works in Uxbridge and lives in West Drayton, said: “We needed a feeder rank at the top of Windsor Street.
“It was supposed to be ready for the same time as the works started. Instead, we were left in limbo. We were parking up in Windsor Street anyway, but we kept getting moved on by traffic wardens, who said they would give us tickets if we didn’t move.
“There was nowhere for us to go. All the cabbies are up in arms about it.
“There has been no leeway from the traffic wardens towards us. Getting the feeder rank on the 11th was too long for us to wait.”
Frank Harris, chairman of the Windsor Street Traders’ Association, and a former cab driver, said: “It’s a joke. These guys are just trying to earn a living, and they are being pushed from pillar to post. I feel quite sorry for them.”
Jean Palmer, Hillingdon Council’s director of planning, did not explain the reason for the delay, but said last week: “Essential electric works are being carried out by Scottish and Southern Electric on Uxbridge High Street.
“Due to the roadworks being extended, a temporary taxi rank was set up in Windsor Street on November 11.
“We are minimising any disruption caused to residents and businesses in Uxbridge, and the work will be completed according to schedule.”
