Taxis break rank as gardaí show leniency

GARDAÍ in Tralee say they would prefer not to take action against taxi drivers parked illegally in the town centre while a consultation process is ongoing between the Tralee Taxi Association and Kerry County Council.

In recent weeks, some taxis have broken ranks and are seeking custom in areas of Denny Street and adjacent to The Mall where there are no designated taxi ranks. As many as five taxis at a time could be seen double parked in the area this week but gardaí say that taxi drivers are compliant when asked to move on.

“Because it’s an ongoing dispute over a rank and a location, and because the works underway have discommoded everyone, taking action is not something we want to do unless it’s absolutely necessary. We would prefer to see both sides come to an agreement and they are currently in consultation,” said Sergeant Tim O’Keeffe.

Sgt O’Keeffe confirmed that gardaí had received some calls in relation to taxis parking illegally and stated that they are dealing with these on a case-by-case basis. He added that taxis parked in locations where there is not a rank are asked to move on.

“In fairness, the taxis have been very compliant. The drivers have had a meeting with the provisional officer here and, while I don’t know the outcome of that meeting, taxi drivers have been informed that they are not supposed to park and each time we’ve asked them to move, they’ve done so,” Sergeant O’Keeffe added.

Chairman of Tralee Taxi Association, Terry Boyle, said the association does not condone taxis parking illegally and that by-laws are under review.

“As it stands, the only taxi rank in town is Shaw’s Lane and at the station and we wouldn’t be encouraging anyone to break the law. We can ask our members not to do so but whether or not they abide by this is up to themselves,” said Mr Boyle.

Meanwhile, Kerry County Council said that taxis are not permitted to park up and seek custom at locations other than designated taxi ranks. “There is no designated taxi rank at Heaton’s/Paddy Macks or on Denny Street. Accordingly, taxis parked at these locations should not be pulled in there.”

Taxis double-parked on Denny Street on Tuesday.