Changes to Church Square parking arrangements

Monday 25 February 2019

Traffic & Highways has moved the taxi ranks around the Town Church into one place in a bid to 'simplify' parking arrangements in the busy area.

Church Square now contains spaces for taxis and disabled vehicle users only, with the public parking spaces that were there now moved around the back of the church to opposite Sports Direct.

A Traffic & Highway Services spokesman said the new layout made more sense than the one it's replaced. 

“Following calls from the Taxi Federation, the parking outside of the Town Church has been simplified," they said. 

"The taxi rank, which was in two separate halves, is now in one location in Church Square. The public parking is now outside of the west (back) of the church where the second part of the taxi rank used to be. No public parking, accessible parking or unloading spaces have been lost. In fact, a little space has been gained for public parking.

"Re-marking the area enabled the demarcation of spaces to be simplified. Now it is easier for those needing a taxi to locate the rank. It will also allow easier drop off for those visiting Town by taxi.”

The spokesman said there had been prior notice to the changes, which were made at the weekend. 

"Yes, Traffic and Highway Services put out notices asking for anyone wishing to comment on the proposal to do so. Only one response was received during the two week consultation, a query for clarification of how the spaces would be marked. "