Frustrated taxi drivers in a Staffordshire city have declared they have 'run out of patience' and are launching a disruptive series of go-slow protests, starting tonight.
A Protest of 'Last Resort'
Members of the RMT union who drive Hackney Carriages in Lichfield will hold the demonstrations in response to what they call the district council's 'failure' to address serious concerns over a pedestrianised zone in the city centre. The union has labelled the action a 'last resort' after nearly two years of discussions failed to yield a resolution.
The drivers will stage their protest by driving slowly along a designated route for a total of six hours this week. The action is scheduled for the busy evening periods of 4.30pm to 6.30pm today (Monday, January 19), Wednesday, January 21, and Friday, January 23.
Livelihoods and Safety at Stake
The cabbies argue that the current pedestrianisation scheme is damaging their trade and creating safety hazards. A key grievance is that Bore Street, once a common pick-up location, has been made inaccessible to vehicles.
Regional RMT organiser John Watson stated: "Our Hackney Carriage members in Lichfield have tried to be reasonable but their patience has run out." He accused councillors of refusing to meet drivers or acknowledge the problems.
"The pedestrianised zone by itself is not the issue," Watson explained, "but what our members are demanding is proper mitigation so that drivers can work safely, ranks are sensibly located, and livelihoods are protected. None of that has been delivered."
Route and Council Response
The planned go-slow route will run from Frog Lane, past the Council House, along Birmingham Road to the Bowling Green roundabout and back to Frog Lane. This is expected to cause significant disruption during the evening rush hour.
The RMT claims it has put forward reasonable, low-impact solutions intended to work for residents, businesses, and drivers alike, but says these proposals have been dismissed. "We remain ready to talk and to find a permanent solution," Watson added, urging councillors to engage in negotiation.
Lichfield District Council was approached for comment by BirminghamLive regarding the protests and the drivers' allegations.
