100 signatures reached
To: Aberdeenshire Council – Banff and Buchan Area Committee and Roads and Infrastructure Services
Fraserburgh Needs Safe and Designated Taxi Ranks
We call on Aberdeenshire Council to carry out an urgent formal review and introduce safe, clearly marked taxi ranks and short-stay taxi waiting bays in central Fraserburgh.
We also ask the Council to consult local residents, taxi operators, elderly and disabled passengers, local shops, pubs, restaurants and other businesses before deciding the most suitable locations.
Until permanent taxi ranks are introduced, licensed taxi drivers who are actively waiting to collect a pre-booked passenger should be allowed to use agreed parking bays for a reasonable period without being charged.
We also ask the Council to consult local residents, taxi operators, elderly and disabled passengers, local shops, pubs, restaurants and other businesses before deciding the most suitable locations.
Until permanent taxi ranks are introduced, licensed taxi drivers who are actively waiting to collect a pre-booked passenger should be allowed to use agreed parking bays for a reasonable period without being charged.
Why is this important?
As a local licensed taxi operator serving Fraserburgh and the surrounding rural communities, I see every day how important taxis are to people who cannot always rely on public transport.
We regularly transport elderly passengers, people with disabilities or mobility difficulties, families with children, patients travelling to medical appointments, customers carrying shopping, visitors with luggage and people returning home safely from pubs and restaurants in the evening.
Despite the important role taxis provide, Fraserburgh does not have a suitable, clearly designated central taxi rank where licensed drivers can safely wait, collect or set down passengers.
Drivers are often forced to choose between stopping briefly in an unsuitable location, where they may be accused of obstructing traffic, or entering a paid car park. Even when a driver is waiting for a pre-booked passenger, parking payment may be required after only 10 minutes.
Passengers are not always ready at the exact agreed time. An elderly person may need longer to leave a shop or medical appointment. Someone with reduced mobility may require assistance. A pharmacy prescription may be delayed, or a customer may need a few extra minutes to reach the vehicle.
Drivers should not feel pressured to leave simply to avoid a parking charge, while a vulnerable passenger is still trying to reach their taxi.
The lack of a recognised taxi rank also creates uncertainty for visitors and residents, particularly in the evening and during poor weather. People should know where they can safely find or meet a licensed taxi.
Fraserburgh is an important town serving many surrounding villages and rural communities. Taxis are a vital part of its transport network, particularly when buses are limited or unavailable.
This campaign is not about benefiting one taxi company. It is about passenger safety, accessibility, supporting local businesses and providing Fraserburgh with a practical taxi system that meets the needs of the whole community.
We regularly transport elderly passengers, people with disabilities or mobility difficulties, families with children, patients travelling to medical appointments, customers carrying shopping, visitors with luggage and people returning home safely from pubs and restaurants in the evening.
Despite the important role taxis provide, Fraserburgh does not have a suitable, clearly designated central taxi rank where licensed drivers can safely wait, collect or set down passengers.
Drivers are often forced to choose between stopping briefly in an unsuitable location, where they may be accused of obstructing traffic, or entering a paid car park. Even when a driver is waiting for a pre-booked passenger, parking payment may be required after only 10 minutes.
Passengers are not always ready at the exact agreed time. An elderly person may need longer to leave a shop or medical appointment. Someone with reduced mobility may require assistance. A pharmacy prescription may be delayed, or a customer may need a few extra minutes to reach the vehicle.
Drivers should not feel pressured to leave simply to avoid a parking charge, while a vulnerable passenger is still trying to reach their taxi.
The lack of a recognised taxi rank also creates uncertainty for visitors and residents, particularly in the evening and during poor weather. People should know where they can safely find or meet a licensed taxi.
Fraserburgh is an important town serving many surrounding villages and rural communities. Taxis are a vital part of its transport network, particularly when buses are limited or unavailable.
This campaign is not about benefiting one taxi company. It is about passenger safety, accessibility, supporting local businesses and providing Fraserburgh with a practical taxi system that meets the needs of the whole community.
