Photo: Councillor David Barton
Southport Councillor calls for closer liaison with taxi drivers after complaints prompt tree u-turn
A councillor has called for Sefton Council to consult Southport’s taxi drivers before planting trees near cab ranks after complaints that recent work has caused an obstruction.
When placing trees on the highway the council takes into account factors such as sight lines, overhead wires, lighting columns, footpath width and species of tree.
However, Cllr David Barton, a campaigner for the rejuvenation of Southport, said that two trees planted in Lord Street opposite Market Street and beside the Hackney Taxi Bays earlier this year have prompted widespread complaints.
He has now secured agreement from Sefton council to have the trees moved, subject to funding being made available from the District Fund or a similar source of finance.
He has also requested a new official Hackney taxi association representative be appointed and spoken to as part of any future consultation regarding tree planting on Lord Street and other roads containing taxi ranks.
He said: “The trees have been causing problems for drivers whose doors were colliding with the trees. I undertook a site visit with concerned resident earlier this year and have been negotiating on behalf of taxi drivers ever since
“I hope that my funding request may be granted as it will benefit night-time economy in the long- term.”
“A representative of the Hackney Taxi Association being consulted during the original consultation process would have prevented this and I think this is a solution which should be considered in the future.
“The absence of this consultation has resulted in numerous complaints of damaged car doors due to the unfortunate placing of these two new trees being in close proximity with the waiting taxis and their clients, in addition to various other pieces of street furniture throughout the year such as the Southport BID planters and metal planting stalls.”
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