TAXI drivers in Bradford are calling for action over what they say is the ongoing problem of vehicles parking in taxi ranks, blocking access for hackney carriages.

Shabbir Master, of the Hackney Carriage Owners and Drivers Association, said parked cars regularly block ranks, particularly in the evening, meaning taxi drivers cannot ply for hire.

He told the Telegraph & Argus that the issue was particularly prevalent at night-time only ranks that are parking bays in the day, and then become a rank from 6pm to 6am, such as those on North Parade, Bridge Street and at the bottom on Great Horton Road.

He said drivers were becoming frustrated with the problem and that it was preventing them from picking up fares.

Mr Master said he had raised the issue at a recent meeting with Bradford Council’s hackney carriage department and portfolio holder, Councillor Sarah Ferriby.

The Council has agreed to continue talks to find a solution and a spokesman said it was continuing to take enforcement action against illegal parkers.

“People are parking up in designated taxi ranks, meaning we taxi drivers can’t wait there for a fare,” Mr Master said.

“It’s been going on for a number of months now and is worse at ones which are only ranks at night. So people are allowed to park there in the daytime, but after 6pm it becomes a taxi rank.

“It’s getting to a situation where we are struggling to park at ranks and so can’t ply for hire.

“It’s hard to get something done when the parking officers don’t work later in the evening. It’s not just us that it effects though - it must also be lost revenue for the Council.”

He described how one rank has six spaces, which on Friday and Saturday nights are regularly blocked by parked vehicles, preventing taxi drivers from using it.

“They are clearly signposted, but people don’t seem to care,” he added. “We’re just asking for a bit of help. If we ask the police, they don’t want to know.

“We have asked both the hackney carriage and parking departments at the Council, but the problem is carrying on.”

A spokesman for the Council said: “The problem of inconsiderate and illegal parking is a national problem affecting all highway users, not just taxis.

“Officers from Bradford Council’s Neighbourhood Service carry out enforcement action against people parking illegally in Hackney Carriage ranks and these Wardens are regularly on duty in the evening.

“We will continue to have discussions with the Hackney Carriage trade representatives with a view to finding ways to resolve the issue.”