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Cabinet received a report seeking approval to
revoke the existing taxi rank located on the southbound side of the
High Street, Stevenage and vary the taxi rank located on the
northbound side of the High Street, Stevenage increasing the length
from 35m to 54m, in accordance with Section 63 of the Local
Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
 
The Portfolio Holder advised that the proposed
changes would result in the taxi rank on the southbound side being
removed and the taxi rank on the northbound extending to 54 metres,
providing sufficient capacity for approximately 9 vehicles,
resulting in the reduction of 3 vehicles compared to the current
rank provision.  It was also proposed
that the operating hours of the taxi rank extend by two and a half
hours with the new times being from 18.30 to 04.00hrs (currently
21.00 to 04.00).  It was also proposed
that the remaining rank would operate on a dual-use basis, to be
used for general parking during the daytime, with the provision of
appropriate signage to indicate the restrictions which were in
place.
 
It was noted that a full public consultation
exercise had been undertaken over a 28-day period in accordance
with relevant statutory requirements.  The Police had no observations or comments and no
responses had been received from the taxi trade or other
stakeholders.
 
It was RESOLVED:
 
1.   
That the revocation of the existing, adopted taxi rank located on
the southbound side of the High Street, Stevenage, in order to
facilitate improvement works being undertaken by Hertfordshire
County Council be noted.

2.   
That the variation of the existing, adopted taxi rank located on
the northbound side of the High Street, Stevenage, increasing the
length of the rank from 35 metres to 54 metres be
approved.

3.   
That a change to the operating hours of the taxi rank which is to
remain on the northbound side of High Street, Stevenage, extending
the operating hours by two and a half hours, with the new times
being from 18:30 to 04:00 (currently 21:00 to 04:00) be
approved.

4.   
That the proposed dual use of the remining taxi rank during the
daytime and note the provision of signage indicating this be
noted.