Call for terror law to solve Camden traffic problem caused by Uber drivers, turned down.

Uber minicab drivers parking outside St Pancras International station are causing traffic problems.

A Camden councillor has called on the council to use terrorism legislation to help tackle huge traffic problems caused by Uber taxi drivers parking outside St Pancras International station.

Black cab drivers have complained of having to double park in Pancras Road due to mini cabs, waiting for ‘e-hails’ from apps such as Uber, sitting in restricted bays for up to 12 minutes.

This is leading to traffic tailbacks along Euston Road in both directions and security risks at Camden’s major transport hub.

The problem is being attributed to former local government secretary Eric Pickles who earlier this year introduced a 10-minute grace period for motorists when parking tickets run out.

The rules also apply to the bays in Pancras Road, which previously allowed motorists to stop for two minutes but now allow minicab drivers to sit for up to 12 minutes.

Green Party councillor Sian Berry is calling on the council to use a Traffic Regulation Order restricting waiting to two minutes based on a separate clause in the law covering the risk of terrorism.

Press Release From Councillor Berry:

 Councillor says 10 minute parking 'grace' period at St Pancras is causing chaos

Green Councillor Sian Berry has called on Camden Council to use terrorism legislation to enforce its two minute free parking period restriction at St Pancras International station. 

Mini cabs taking advantage of a 10 minute 'grace' period introduced by Eric Pickles in April this year are currently causing traffic chaos, bus delays and security risks at Camden's major transport hub.

In a dossier submitted to the council this week,[1] Cllr Berry has included photographic evidence from black cab drivers showing the restricted bays on Pancras Road are filled throughout the day with mini cabs waiting for 'e-hails' from apps such as Uber.

The occupied bays mean that legitimate drop-offs and pick-ups are forced to double park, leading to traffic tailbacks along Euston Road in both directions. 

This also causes problems for pedestrians on the road and bus delays on the 214 and 46 routes. In one incident, Cllr Berry whose ward in Highgate is served by the 214 bus, counted six green light changes before her bus could enter Pancras Road from Euston Road due to parked cars blocking the way. 

In the dossier, which answers points made in a response from the council to a query about the crisis in July, Cllr Berry sets out two  potential ways to overcome the new restrictions and enforce the necessary waiting times: 

1. Make a new Traffic Regulation Order that can be enforced without a grace period, restricting waiting to 2 minutes based on a separate clause in the relevant law covering the risk of terrorism - this would be fully justified at this very sensitive location where having traffic at a standstill, and unrestricted free parking for longer periods, is a clear risk 

2. If all else fails, introduce a set of steep parking charges intended to deter minicab drivers from staying longer than 2 minutes with a simple 'pay by text' process for making the payments and enabling enforcement

Sian says: 

“Black cab drivers have supplied me with a wealth of evidence, and I have visited the site many times to see for myself how many bays are occupied by minicab drivers simply waiting there and looking at their phones.

“Something must be done and, looking at the legislation, I believe the reason sections of the Road Traffic Regulation Act covering terrorism aren't named in the grace period regulations is that security risks override any need for parking flexibility. This is clearly applicable at this site and I've asked the council to look into making a new order on this basis. 

“As a last resort, charges should be put in place to prevent the chaos we are seeing every day on this road, and getting bus journeys and safety for pedestrians back to normal.

Camden Eviroment Chief Replies:

Environment chief Cllr Meric Apak said he does not want to use “anti-terrorism traffic orders” and is relying on parking wardens to address the problem

EDITORIAL COMMENT:

So no change there then from the lycra clad council. As long as the cycle lanes stay clear, the councils not interested.