For several weeks now, taxis have been parking on the red route near the Damson Parkway junction and the Rangoon Road bus stop, with dash cam footage by drivers showing dangerous manoeuvres such as sudden stops and reversing into the dual carriageway in front of oncoming vehicles. Taxis are also churning up the verges, littering, and blocking the bus stop leaving alighting users vulnerable.
Lib Dem community campaigner and Candidate for Elmdon ward, Kate Jones, said:
“Taxi drivers have told us that charges for waiting at the airport have made it too expensive for them to park there. They need to be able to earn a living and rest, but in a safe way.
“We are calling for Birmingham Airport to provide somewhere safe for taxi drivers to wait so that they do not have to park on the A45 red route.”
Following numerous complaints, Solihull Council and West Midlands Police officers are now taking action. Solihull Council and Police officers are issuing on-the spot fines of up to £100 to anyone parking illegally on the A45 Red Route. Solihull Council is also organising a clean-up of rubbish discarded in the area.
Commenting, Cllr Laura McCarthy, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Solihull Council, said:
“The Police and Council are doing a good job of moving drivers on and issuing fines to anyone caught parking illegally. I have contacted taxi company Uber myself asking for help due to the danger innocent people are facing, but the problem persists.
“Taxi drivers need to be able to rest and earn a living. The current situation isn’t safe for them or other road users. The Airport and the taxi companies must work together to find somewhere safe for taxis to park up, before a serious or fatal accident occurs.
“Birmingham Airport has a duty of care to its neighbours in Elmdon and Sheldon. That’s why we are calling for a long-term and sustainable solution for everyone concerned.”
The Solihull and Meriden Liberal Democrats represent Liberal Democrat Members, Volunteers, Campaigners, Councillors and Candidates within the Local Authority area of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, and the two Parliamentary Constituencies of Solihull and Meriden.
Liberal Democrats in Solihull and Meriden have a long record of action for the community, fighting hard for local residents on issues that are important to them.
