An Angus taxi firm which helps disabled and elderly clients has slammed a council decision to remove a single space less than a year after it was introduced.
The civic licensing committee of Angus Council has approved the removal of the space, which was put in outside the town’s new Post Office in High Street last summer.
But objections from some nearby shops spurred the local authority to survey how well the space was used by taxis, and councillors have been told it was “rarely used”.
But Darren Penman of Helping Hands said the space was filled by private cars flouting unenforced bay restrictions for “95% of the day” — something he expects to be resolved now parking wardens are back on the streets of Angus.
Mr Penman said: “I would wish to express dismay and anger at this motion which is to be heard by this committee.
“This matter started 18 months ago when there was a bay outside Kirriemuir’s only Post Office in Reform Street. Following its closure I requested a bay outside the newly opened Post Office in the High Street.
“This is a taxi drop-off hot spot in town with multiple and numerous trade asking to be dropped off in this area.
“I am therefore astonished at the letter I received, six months after taxi bay painting, by the roads department.
“This complaint has arisen from someone with no connection nor interest in the taxi trade and I am even more amazed that they appear to have a voice louder than taxi operators themselves.”
Mr Penman said the bay’s removal constitutes 25% of available parking for the town’s eight licenced taxis, plus any number of Forfar cabs licenced to park in town.
Mr Penman said the removal would only “force” taxis to double park in the street to drop fares off.
“It’s very short-sighted and I think this will agitate drivers, it will agitate other motorists who are having to wait, and it will be upsetting for elderly people alighting,” he added.
Mr Penman and his family celebrated two wins on the Euro Millions draw in 2015 but this luck did not apply to the committee in Forfar.
