DEMAND FOR NEW TAXI RANK MET

A new Llanelli taxi rank is being provided in Murray Street.

The rank will run for 30 metres on the town side of the street between the Cowell Street Junction with Murray Street and the Station Road traffic lights.

Both the taxi fraternity and  Carmarthenshire’s council senior licensing officer have been requesting additional taxi ranks in the own centre.

There is an existing taxi rank in Market Street but it is felt there is need for an additional dedicated on street taxi waiting area to the west of the main shopping precinct.

County transport executive board member, Cllr Philip Hughes, said: “The new rank will increase the provision of waiting areas, reduce the potential for crime and anti social behaviour on Murray Street and support trade in the town centre.”

There has been consultation with all local members, police, the  Road Haulage Association and motoring organisations.

There was an objection from Llanelli Town Council concerned the new rank could cause traffic travelling towards Asda to move into south-bound traffic. They were also worries that rank might interfere with lorry’s making deliveries to Asda.

The county traffic management service said even with the taxi rank the road was wide enough – with realigned road markings, to accommodate two traffic lanes, each 3.25metres wide. The taxi rank would be 2.85metres wide.

The new lane dimensions would allow sufficient width for a taxi to wait at kerbside and allow passengers to board and alight safely with minimum disruption to other road users.

The new traffic lanes and waiting bays will be formed by re-aligning existing road markings. This will give the effect of narrowing traffic lanes and helping to calm traffic speeds.

At the request of the Town Council the County Council has further consulted the taxi fraternity and no objections were received to the proposed rank.

As a result an executive board member decision was taken to publish the proposed Traffic Regulation Order to provide the new dedicated taxi rank.