Plans to convert Lincoln city centre parking bays into evening taxi ranks

Three Lincoln city centre parking and loading bays are to be converted into taxi ranks on weekday and Saturday evenings under plans to be considered by Lincolnshire County Council.

Additional taxi ranks are being proposed on Mint Lane, Corporation Street and Clasketgate to cater for demand in that area at night.

These would apply during the evenings only on an existing disabled parking bay and limited waiting bay which are currently in force from 8am until 6pm, Monday – Saturday, and on a ‘Goods Vehicle Loading Only’ bay in force all day, any day.

The taxi ranks would operate from 6pm until 8am, Monday – Saturday at all three locations.

Existing disabled parking bay on Mint Lane. Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

Lincolnshire County Council has argued that the proposed dual use taxi ranks would help clear the busiest parts of the city at night.

One objection was received from a local private taxi hire firm who said that the close proximity of the bays proposed on Clasketgate and Corporation Street to their premises would have a detrimental impact on demand for their business.

A report to councillors from Steve Willis, Chief Operating Officer for Environment and Economy at the county council, said: “The bulk of the current hackney carriage provision is located on St Mary’s Street which is some distance away from the area generating most demand at night, which can escalate to very high demand as the evening progresses.

“To support the effective management of crowds of people late at night in the city centre it is essential that their swift departure is facilitated as soon as is practicable.

“This being the case the provision of additional ranks and taxi provision at the point where they are most needed will be of great benefit.”

Existing goods vehicle loading only bay on Corporation Street

Councillors on Lincolnshire County Council’s Planning and Regulation Committee will decide on the proposals at a meeting on Monday, May 9.