Inside Salisbury: Change to affect taxi drivers in drop-off area
Don't fall foul of penalty charge notices
by Annette J Beveridge
TAXI drivers must be aware of a significant change to the Central Car Park.
The change relates to an update to the traffic order regulating parking rules and directly impacts where taxis can and cannot park.
The former Millstream Coach Park was renamed as the Central Coach Drop-Off and is now exclusively designated for coach use, including areas without double yellow lines, such as the space in front of Elai restaurant. Since the area reopened, some taxi drivers have been seen parking there.
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Cabinet Member for Transport and Assets, Councillor Tamara Reay, said: “We are committed to ensuring that parking facilities are used correctly and fairly, particularly as part of the important changes introduced through the Salisbury River Park project.
“We urge taxi drivers to familiarise themselves with the new rule and use the designated taxi ranks available in Castle Street, Fisherton Street, Minster Street and New Canal.
“Civil Enforcement Officers will be monitoring the situation closely. Taxi drivers attempting to evade enforcement by driving away when approached may still face penalties, as taxi licence numbers will be recorded and reported for further action as necessary.”
Wiltshire Council launched an education and enforcement campaign and any taxi drivers who parked in the Drop Off area before February 3 received advisory notices explaining the new regulations.
Now formal enforcement will begin, and Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) may be issued to vehicles parked illegally.
Cllr Reay added: “We hope that by working together and following these changes, we can ensure the smooth operation of the Central Coach Drop-Off area for its intended use.”
