Issue - meetings

To consider further consultation responses in respect of the siting of an additional and/or an alternative rank on Evesham Road, Headless Cross with an increase of 6/7 rank spaces.

(Report attached)

The Committee received a further update on Hackney Carriage Rank Provision on Evesham Road.

Officers reported that this Committee, at its meeting on 25^th January 2010, had approved the provision of an additional Hackney Carriage rank for 6/7 spaces outside Steps Night Club and the re-siting of the current provision of 3 spaces outside the White Hart on the pavement to the roadside opposite the White Hart public house, subject to public consultation.

Members were informed that the public consultation took place between February to May 2010.

Objections to the proposals were considered by the meeting of this Committee on 3^rd June 2010, including those of a Ward Councillor, and a site visit by members and the Licensing Manager took place on the late evening of 25^th June 2010. 

As a result of the site visit the Committee, at its meeting on 19^th July 2010, put forward an alternative proposal, which was referred to West Mercia Police Traffic Management Section and Worcestershire Council Highways Department for comment.  Officers reported that this alternative suggestion was not supported by either County Council Highways or Police Traffic Management Officers.

Members were informed that Worcestershire County Council Highways Department would require the removal of the current taxi facility located on the footpath outside the White Hart as soon as possible because of vehicle / pedestrian conflict.

Officers reported that all viable options had been considered and consulted upon and that the only option was the one that was previously considered by this Committee on 25^th January 2010.

RESOLVED that

1)                 the new and alternative taxi ranks, as described below and detailed on the Map attached to the report at Appendix 1 of the report, be approved, as required under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976:

a)                 re-siting of the rank on the pavement outside the White Hart on Evesham Road to on the road opposite the White Hart incorporating the bus stop between the hours of 8pm and 7am;

b)                 a new rank on Evesham Road outside Steps Night Club incorporating the bus stop between the hours of 8pm and 7am;

2)                 a letter be sent to those affected on Evesham Road by the changes, prior to publication, to include the following:

“This new proposal will help legalise Hackney Carriages ranking on Evesham Road and enable the Responsible Authorities to enforce the New Order, discourage Hackney Carriages parking on pavements and reduce the risk of accidents and road blockages.”