Westminster bi- monthly meeting update

I always try and let you all know what’s going on after meetings with Westminster Council

I believe they are still the most proactive council in London when it comes to the taxi trade and meeting with the Cab Ranks Committee Last month saw us talking about many items

First up was Oxford St and surrounding areas - we are constantly questioning new schemes and consultation concerning Oxford St. At this present time there are about 37 projects and schemes on the go in and around Oxford and Regent St

We’re constantly complaining about getting more rank space back in Oxford St after a few ranks were lost to pavement widening schemes during Covid We’ve lost so much on street presence that we now have only two ranks on Oxford St and that is not good enough Ranks that are in side roads adjacent to Oxford street do not work due to sight line issues

Westminster Council are drawing up plans for both ends of Oxford Street and we’re now trying to obtain ranks in the new scheme

We asked about access if Davis Street re-opens onto Oxford St, only to be told

that it will not be re-opening

Next was WCC talking about making both ends of Oxford St Bus and Taxis during certain times, which we said would only work if it was enforced by cameras But welcomed the idea of Bus and Taxi access

Queensway and the new development at Whiteleys was discussed regarding the old rank moving position to service the new hotel being built

Cycle Lanes was discussed with WCC looking to implement a few more schemes, but WCC said they would show us plans long before consultation for our input Which didn’t happen in the past

We also discussed the new rank for the Peninsula Hotel on Hyde Park Corner I feel it’s in the wrong location and a site visit is being arranged Will keep you updated on further meetings