London’s taxi ranks are facing issues with Lime bikes blocking access, frustrating cabbies and passengers alike
London: There are over 600 taxi ranks in the city, managed by Transport for London (TfL). These ranks are crucial for helping people, especially those with disabilities, get taxis easily.
But lately, cab drivers are getting really annoyed. Electric hire bikes, like Lime, are often parked right next to or even in the taxi ranks. This makes it tough for passengers, especially those who need extra help.
Andy Scott from London Taxi PR pointed out that these bikes are blocking access to taxis, particularly in busy areas like Berkeley Square. He mentioned that it’s become a common issue with Lime users parking their bikes wherever they please.
For someone in a wheelchair, getting into a cab from the curb is super important. Andy has been raising this issue with Lime, but the responses are always the same: they’ll send someone out to check it out.
Even when they do send someone, the problem pops up again almost immediately. He’s now urging TfL to actually do something about it, as they promised to crack down on bikes parked in the wrong spots.
Last November, TfL announced new rules for dockless e-bike companies like Lime. They could face fines for leaving bikes on TfL land. But Andy hasn’t seen any real change since those rules were introduced.
Now that it’s January, he feels like nothing has been done. He’s frustrated that while TfL is aware of the problem, they haven’t taken action yet. It’s time for someone to step up and make these companies follow the rules.
A TfL spokesperson mentioned that e-bike operators were given a six-week notice to comply with the new policy, and that enforcement has started. They’re sending warning letters to operators as the first step.
Lime has also been contacted for their side of the story.
