Drivers have been left furious over a parade of taxis taking up disabled parking spots in a popular UK town leaving many Blue Badge holders stranded.
Oldham, in Greater Manchester, has been criticised for the lack of accessible parking spaces in the town centre particularly around the hospital and other medical sites.
It comes just six months after the council replaced a disabled car parking space with a taxi rank in a bid to draw in more tourism.
The car parking spaces were removed near the Integrated Care Centre with Oldham Council explaining that it had to “move things round” to make space for the taxi rank.
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The move has been met with anger from residents who accused the council of ignoring the needs of the local population.
One resident shared: “Obviously they care more about revenue from that than disabled people so no, it can’t be right.”
The new taxi rank was put in place after the Dan Fold taxi rank closed as part of plans to demolish and redevelop a new entrance to a local pub.
In its place, Oldham Council rolled out six new disabled bays, but residents argued this is not enough to help drivers who rely on the crucial parking spots.
Another resident shared: “It’s just come to my attention that the disabled car park in Oldham, opposite the bus station, has had seven of its disabled bays removed and replaced with ‘taxis only’.
“There aren’t enough disabled parking spaces as it is, and that carpark is always busy. Once again disabled people don’t matter! It’s disgusting. I’m not sure if you’re already aware but I couldn’t see it on the page.”
Someone else posted: “Can’t quite believe Oldham Council have authorized this shamble. To take away 13 disabled parking spaces to make room for taxis is an absolute joke.
“There is always a small queue of cars waiting for a space, now it will be horrendous. There are SO many places the taxis could park but take it off the disabled.”
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However, Fazal Rahim, ex-secretary of the Taxi Owners Association, told Oldham Times that taxi drivers are “equally frustrated at having to use the disabled car park as a turning circle or waiting area for a few minutes”.
He explained that it is a temporary measure agreed by Oldham Council Licensing authority until the work in the area is completed and asked for a “bit of understanding”.
Another concerned resident said: “OMBC should have thought of the backlash they would get from all those who have blue badges and as they have done this they should allow Blue Badge holders free three hours on Market ground to compensate for their inconsideration towards the disabled community.”
A spokesperson for Oldham Council stated earlier this year that the relocation of the disabled bays had temporarily reduced the number of disabled bays in the car park from 27 to 20.
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The council replaced seven disabled parking bays to make way for the taxi rank
PA
“To ensure we maintain as much disabled parking as possible in the area, six new disabled bays will be created directly in front of the ICC building,” the spokesperson added.
