Monday May 18th 2026
Taxi rank in Tranent
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
More taxi ranks will be set up in towns and housing areas across East Lothian.
The Council’s Licensing Sub Committee welcomed a request from a taxi operators fo more stances and agreed to pursue wider consultation before introducing new ranks.
Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies said that taxis offered a “lifeline” for those with mobility issues.
One problem neither the council nor police can readily solve is the misuse of existing or the new ranks by ordinary motorists as parking spaces.
A police officer told the committee meeting in Haddington that the force recognised the need fo more taxi ranks and supported the paper.
Licensing officers with the council pointed out that the council’s parking attendants have no powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to motorists who park at taxi ranks.
Police pointed out that splicing the ranks was down to hours and manpower. He added that some ranks such as one outside a chemists in Tranent could be “contentious,” as motorists could be accessing the chemist.
“It’s not great for police to be moving people on that don’t keep very well or have mobility issues,” he added.
Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies told the meeting. “I think we all forget that taxis are part of the public transport infrastructure. Certainly speaking to people in Tranent who think it is all right to park as it is just another parking. It’s not just another parking space. For people who have mobility issues taxis are a lifeline.”
The Provost, John McMillan said that he shared the view of fellow councillor and chair of the committee, Colin McGinn, the council should encourage the formation of a taxi operators association to act as a voice for the trade in the county.
He welcomed the suggestion being instigated by a taxi operator and the need for an increasing number of ranks in communities.
He added that motorists should respect ranks. “For many people who need it, a taxi is the only way they can get around and drivers should respect these stances.
“I think we should approve this for the next step of consultation.”
The committee gave unanimous backing.
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