Taxi drivers slam Suffolk Highways U-turn on £1.4m Lloyds Avenue plan, council stands firm

Why it matters: The £1.4m scheme would reduce the taxi rank from 21 to 11 spaces, which drivers say could significantly impact disabled and elderly passengers who rely on the service's accessibility.

The big picture: Council leader Neil MacDonald describes the redevelopment as a "significant step forward" in creating a "vibrant, accessible, and community-centred town centre" that will serve as a "true gateway to Ipswich," but taxi drivers strongly dispute this characterisation and raise several other concerns that the council has staunchly defended.

Key concerns and council responses

Town "gateway" status

Driver's concerns: The Ipswich Taxi Alliance questions Lloyd's Avenue's suitability as a town centre entrance, noting that primary access routes are through the shopping centre from Tower Ramparts bus station or via Tower Street – not Lloyd's Avenue.

Council's response: MacDonald acknowledges these challenges but says the improvements are "specifically designed to overcome them" by "elevating the aesthetics and functionality."

Safety and congestion

Driver's concerns: Cabbies say that plans to narrow the rank will "severely limit space," which would "likely cause various traffic issues, including congestion, and block the road during rush hour and at peak busy times of the day and on matchdays."

Council's response: No response was given.

Taxi rank reduction

Driver's concerns: The plan halves available taxi spaces, which drivers warn could impact service during busy periods, notably weekends and matchdays. They also describe the rank as a "crucial transport link to the night-time economy."

Council response: MacDonald says the reduction is "firmly supported by data derived from a comprehensive review of CCTV footage spanning February, March, and April 2024," which "confirms that the current provision exceeds demand."

Accessibility concerns

Driver's concerns: Taxi drivers highlight that the flat surface at Lloyd's Avenue provides "easy accessibility for wheelchair users, vision impaired, walking aided and many other vulnerable groups."

One parish councillor said they "wouldn't be able to access cabs so readily" and that people with mobility issues, who have poor balance, would struggle to walk up a gradient to catch a cab with the proposed changes.

Council response: MacDonald says that "pedestrian accessibility remains a top priority" and that "the widened pavements and improved public spaces have been designed in close consultation with disability advocates and local stakeholders."

Alternative locations

Driver's concerns: Drivers cite failed attempts to establish ranks elsewhere, including a trial in the Waterfront area that "backfired."

Council response: MacDonald notes alternative pickup areas including "Black Horse Lane, High Street, Museum Street, King Street, Tower Street, Tower Ramparts, Old Foundry Road," where taxis "can be called to by phone or mobile phone app."

Strong public backing

Following two public consultations held at Ipswich Town Hall and an online consultation on the council’s website, LinkedIn and Facebook pages, MacDonald says that "the public was overwhelmingly in support of the proposals to redevelop Lloyds Avenue."

• 68% support increased pedestrianisation

• 74% support tree planting and greenery

• 69% believe it will positively impact local businesses

• 64% support increased café seating

• 51% would likely spend more time in the town centre

The bottom line

Suffolk Highways' withdrawal of objections marks a significant step forward for the redevelopment, despite sustained opposition from taxi drivers and some accessibility advocates who argue the scheme fails to consider the needs of elderly and disabled shoppers.

While dropping its objections, Suffolk Highways stated the borough council must work within specified guidelines for highway works, safety audit procedures, construction and supervision.

It's not clear when work will begin.