Taxi drivers have warned of “chaos and violence” on Inverness streets if Highland councillors rubber stamp plans to shut a busy city centre rank.
Castle Wynd rank, which is based near Inverness High Street and next to the city museum, is being earmarked for closure, while spaces are also set to be reduced at Station Square on Academy Street.
This could leave the city’s 400 drivers struggling for places to park, but also lead to frustrated passengers having to wait longer at other ranks – with fears drunken revellers may turn violent.
Some drivers also claim it could threaten their livelihoods.
Andrew MacDonald, chairman of Inverness Taxi Alliance, said proposals to shut the Castle Wynd rank would cause chaos, particularly at weekends.
Highland Council said the proposal would see a new rank open on the city High Street, with up to 10 spaces being created.
However, cars will not be allowed to exit on to Bridge Street, which Castle Wynd allows, meaning longer journeys for passengers living in the west of the city.
Mr MacDonald said: “What the council officials don’t realise is that at the weekend the Castle Wynd rank can have up to 30 cars revolving around the road constantly to tackle the long queues.
“We have suggested they could open up the whole of High Street for a taxi rank to operate, enabling taxis to join Bridge Street.
“This would also be a boost during the tourist season as the street is thriving with visitors in the summer.
“But all our representations are falling on deaf ears. They are happy to take our fees but they are failing to accommodate us in the city centre.
“The whole situation is going to cause chaos and violence.”
Another driver, David Coutts, claims shutting Castle Wynd would “threaten” his livelihood.
A notice has gone up at Castle Wynd asking for representations on the proposal to shut the taxi rank to be submitted to the local authority by January 12.
David Haas, Inverness City Manager, said: “We have met with the trade reps including the Taxi Alliance on many occasions and it was agreed that the Castle Wynd taxi rank would move to the High Street – outside M&S.”
