As the result of an operation to tackle illegal parking in the evenings, the need for a permanent taxi rank in the village has been identified.
Special constables have been brought in on Friday and Saturday evenings to reduce the number of vehicles parking at bus stops, junctions and on zig zags - many of whom are taxi drivers.
Speaking at this week's Parish Council meeting, PCSO Jim Newns said "As part of the operation we've obviously been discussing the parking issues with the people. It's not just about banging the tickets, it's also consulting with them - including the taxi drivers who are tending to congregate terribly outside The Botanist.
"During the operation at least we've had the bodies on the ground to be there, to shoo them away, but there needs to be a taxi rank in the village. Cheshire East are happy to provide one it's just finding a suitable place to put the taxi rank.
"There are a few options, a few places have been mentioned as being appropriate places. Really I think it's more of an issue after 6pm for the taxis. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are the worst nights for the amount of taxis that are coming and do park illegally.
"I would like to see some sort of consultation between the Parish Council, Cheshire East Council, the taxi guys themselves and the businesses. I think it will help resolve a far bit of illegal parking in the evenings."
"Officers are well aware of the need to enforce, as your local PCSO I do my bit but it does feeling like your putting out fires."
PCSO Newns added "It seems to be getting worse but the operation has been a success."
Cllr Mike Williamson said "We're at capacity but the concern is that the draft Development Strategy for Cheshire East makes no reference to the policy Macclesfield Borough Council had which tried to control the balance between retail and service industry.
"They seem to have abandoned that completely and that's a real concern to the Parish Council as it means that when it comes to opposing applications to turn more of the retail units in the village into restaurants or A3s we are going to be struggling against a policy which is not appropriate."
Cllr Mary Maczkowiak met with PCSO Jim Newns and Sgt Andy Miller regarding the parking in the evenings a few weeks ago.
On Monday, 11th March, she visited the local restaurants with PCSO Newns to discuss the operation and explain that it was not a one-off but would be carried out again.
Cllr Mary Maczkowiak said "The restaurants explained that not only did they have a problem but the people who work for them have a problem parking in the village. The village is now too small to accommodate all the restaurants and bars that we have in the village and that we need more parking.
"Not only for the people who are coming into the village but also for the people who work here as they are not living in Alderley who work in the local restaurants, they are people from outside the village. I volunteered the Festival Hall but a lot of woman don't want to walk down there at night.
"Also when I was in the doctors there was a receptionist rushing out to move her vehicle because she'd outstayed her two hours on the side street. So there are a lot of places in the village desperate for parking."
Do you think we need a taxi rank in the village? If so, where would you like to see it lcoated? Share your views via the comment box below.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
We have two issues, one is provision and the other is enforcement. The West St area is a major issue at night with taxis parked on pavements on both sides of West St. Why don't we use the CCTV to enforce order. Any taxi driver found, by CCTV, to be acted illegally on a few occasions and they can be brought back to Licencing to have their Licence reviewed. Same applies for other Taxis at other parts of London Road.
All over the world, restaurants whistle up taxis. Why can't they do that in the Restaurants of Alderley Edge?
I do not know where the phrase "Shoo them away" has come from.
The time has been spent issuing fixed Penalty Noices where needed, Advisory Notices where needed and consultation with the taxi drivers and local bars and restaurants..
Or maybe use the parade car park. Surely it would be possible to allow say five taxi spaces in there of an evening.
The parking spaces in Wilmslow along the front of the shops at Hoopers have had taxi spaces there for a number of years. Think there are two or three at each section of road. Pretty sure they are for everyone to use during the day.
It would/could all work if only
Those needing a taxi at night (and the taxi drivers) was sensible and behaved in a less selfish manner than they currently do. Not Holding my breath for that.
Ok, so it'll take money and some thought, i.e. the return leg, but it's not beyond the realms of possibility. As a business case it might take a long time to pay off versus the wages for constant (and proven to be impossible) policing, but as a solution to illegal and dangerous parking then who needs a business case....?
Please excuse the poor grammar, proof reading on a phone isn't easy!
Another point re. one way, it would SIGNIFICANTLY improve the awful junction by Tesco and the precinct. On a busy day, that lot is complete chaos for drivers and pedestrians alike.
As for parking in the village, it is rare that you can't find a space, especially in the evening. As I see it the restaurants are saying their staff have difficulty parking for free, rather than not physically being able to park!