TAXI ranks throughout Halton are to be reviewed.

It follows a series of meetings involving councillors, officers and representatives of the taxi trade and extensive public consultation.

A report is to be made to councillors which sets out the findings of the licensing review body which was set up in November 1998 to examine the taxi licensing system operated by Halton Council.

Urgent attention is to be given to the provision of ranks in Runcorn Old Town.

Taxi drivers have expressed concern about the effect of redevelopment of the Old Town on the provision of ranks in High Street.

At present, there are 22 council regulated stands throughout Halton - but only six of these are in Runcorn.

Five of those listed have yet to be established.

The new ranks will be situated in Bishops Way and Cronton Road in Widnes and at the Halfway House, Halton Road, Boston Avenue and High Street in Runcorn.

There are seven private stands not regulated by the council.

These include the Co-op hypermarket, Greenoaks and Albert Square in Widnes and the railway station, Asda, southern loop and Halton Lea in Runcorn.

Taxi drivers have asked the committee to consider opening up busways and bus lanes to taxis.

In particular, they are keen to use the southbound West Bank approach to the Runcorn-Widnes bridge.

The council's highways and transportation division has already undertaken investigations which show that it would not be appropriate to open up Runcorn busway to taxis.

"In considering the appropriateness of opening bus lanes to taxis, it would be necessary to look at whether hackney carriages and private hire vehicles should be subject to the same rules," members of the planning and transportation committee were told this week.

A further report with recommendations will be presented in the coming months.

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