FRUSTRATED cabbies in Liskeard say they feel they are banging their heads against a brick wall after being told nothing can be done to stop motorists clogging their taxi ranks.

Grayson Mitchell, owner of Express Taxis, said a host of vehicles had been the cause of the trouble.

After approaching a civil enforcement officer on Friday, Mr Mitchell was told that no enforcement could be taken on non-taxi vehicles parked in the ranks.

Yet on Monday, Mr Mitchell said he was told by the council's licensing department that only taxis were permitted to use the ranks.

Extortionate

Taxi drivers in the town were becoming frustrated at the situation: "I think it's absolutely ridiculous. We are paying extortionate fees to Cornwall Council and the one thing we get back is the taxi ranks. I've always been led to understand nobody can park on the taxi ranks apart from licensed taxis. It is not good enough.

"It's like we're banging our heads against a brick wall. The parking in the ranks is getting worse and will continue to get worse with no enforcement. It is very frustrating."

The rank on The Parade, which has space for three taxis, was due to be extended but plans were put off in 2009.

When used by three cabs, one vehicle has to mount the pavement to get into the rank, which is becoming more difficult when non-taxi vehicles take up valuable space.

Mr Mitchell said he made the council aware of this situation in 2006, yet nothing has been done.

"The licensing department at Cornwall Council deals with our zoning area in Liskeard. I can say in the last 18 months the taxi fleet in the town has doubled. The council is taking our fees but is not giving us the extra facilities, we have no rank space.

"No one knows why the ranks are non-enforceable.

"We're always getting told off by the public for driving on the pavement which is fair enough, but what are we supposed to do? I'm fed up, I do my best for trade in Liskeard. We are all trying to earn an honest living."

Cornwall Council said some of the ranks were not enforceable due to signage and incorrect lines and funding was being sought to rectify it.

Kate Dixon, Cornwall Council parking policy group manager, said: "It would not be true to say that all taxi ranks are unenforceable. There are some taxi ranks across Cornwall which are unenforceable because the signs and/or lines are incorrect and we are seeking funding to rectify this situation.

"The way most taxi ranks have been set up means that, even if the signs and lines can been enforced, loading and unloading and picking up and dropping off of passengers can take place in vehicles that are not taxis. This is an issue we have been discussing with the licensing section."