Two free 30 minute parking spaces have been saved in Market Street after East Cambridgeshire District Council took the decision to overturn a proposal which would have seen the spaces lost as part of taxi rank improvements.

Instead, a new plan of works has been completed which sees a new layout which clearly defines the taxi rank area whilst maintaining the two free public parking bays.

The taxi rank and parking bays have been rotated to define where the taxi rank starts, as well as adjusting the size of the new bays, allowing the creation of an additional taxi rank space. The two public parking spaces are now placed at the rear of the taxi rank to avoid confusion and to allow the taxis to filter into the traffic easier.

Councillor Elaine Griffin-Singh, Chair of the Licensing Committee for East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The proposal to alter the parking arrangements was in response to requests from the trade to improve the taxi rank. Having considered the evidence and the proposal put forward, the solution that was suggested and adopted at last May’s Licensing Committee is more beneficial to both the trade and the public.”

Stewart Broome, Senior Licensing Officer at East Cambridgeshire District Council, added, “This is a good decision that balances the needs of the taxi trade who fulfil an important role within the city, and the needs of normal motorists using the city centre’s many shops and services.”