Inverness Taxi and Private hire Association

Inverness City Centre Street Scene
Stakeholders Meeting 25th January 2010

I attended a meeting regarding the above, with Peter Taylor, and again brought to the attention of those present the problems the taxi trade is faced with as follows:-
Taxi Ranks: That we have been allocated evening rank spaces and still cannot operate from them because of illegal parking by the general public. I was assured that all the city evening beat officers had been issued with books of tickets and will be active in issuing them against all offending motorists.

The pedestrian crossing between William Hill and the now empty "Your Move" premises is to be removed. Funding has now been approved and it is planned to be carried out as soon as possible. Once they're removed, the traffic lights at the Queensgate /Struthers Lane junction will be re-programmed.

The giving back of Marks & Spencer bus stop to the trade is still under discussion and it is hoped a decision will be reached in due course.
The taxi ranks allocated on Union Street (evening) are still being held up by "Historic Scotland".

On Tuesday the 26th January 2010 I attended a City Forum Meeting at the Town House. The subject was "Policing". The meeting was chaired by Provost Gray and the speakers were Police Superintendent Ian Arnott, Chief Inspector Andrew Maclean and Chief Inspector James Neil.
I brought up yet again the problems of the taxi ranks and was assured by Chief Inspector Andrew Maclean that his officers will be policing our ranks and issuing parking tickets.
I also brought up the question of fare dodgers/runners; needless to say they seemed appalled at what has gone on. When drivers reported the incidents, they were told "The Northern Constabulary are not debt collectors!" I was told that from a policing point of view it is a criminal offence (fraud) and perpetrators should be apprehended. But they did give a bit of advice that if you do take an out of town fare off the ranks insist on being paid in advance, if the customers refuses don't take them.

Operations to be carried out in February, mobile phone usage whilst driving and speed detection on all roads.

ACCIDENT "CARNARC CRESCENT"

Gentleman and Ladies, a small boy was knocked down on the above road a few weeks ago and sustained a serious injury. Currently he is still in Raigmore Hospital.
South Kessock namely "Kessock Avenue, Rosehaugh Road,
Carnarc Crescent Bridgeview Drive and Craigton Avenue"
have an advisory speed limit of 20 miles per hour.
Can I please ask all members and non-members of the Taxi association to strictly observe this speed limit at all times.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated