Taxi drivers in Waterford City are calling on Gardaí to listen to them. On Halloween Night, up to five taxis were issued with fines for parking illegally outside a taxi rank.
They say however, they were left with no choice due to the volume of taxis that were already parked, leading them to have to park adjacent to Pinks Restaurant.
Following the issuing of the fines, up to fifteen drivers suspended their services and held a small demonstration on the night in question, with a further gathering at Waterford Garda Station the next day.
Speaking to WLR News, one of the drivers said they are left with nowhere to park on busy nights.
"Just after the traffic lights, there is a cycle lane and a footpath so we don't have a proper rank.
"This leads to some drivers parking in the cycle lane late at night as we have nowhere else to go.
"We used to have a rank on John Street, but that was years ago, and we now park outside Masons. I have been driving for the last ten years. This is not a proper taxi rank but rather a roadside that starts after 6:30 in the evening.
"Still, though, what can we do? There is no space to park the taxi and wait for the customers.
"This is a constant issue. We know that we are illegally parking, but we need to make a living also."
In a statement to WLR Gardaí said they responded to a number of illegally parked taxis.
"Gardaí issued a number of on-the-spot fines to taxis illegally parked on Manor Street, Waterford, in the early hours of Friday 1st November 2024.
"Later on the same day, a public gathering occurred at Waterford Garda Station. Garda management met with the group, who subsequently dispersed peacefully.
"A system of parking fees, restrictions, fines, and clamping is in place in towns and cities in Ireland. This is to stop illegal parking, which can block other motorists, pedestrians, or businesses.
"Traffic wardens and an Garda Síochána are responsible for enforcing laws relating to illegal parking.
"Local authorities are responsible for creating bylaws that list the public places in each area where parking fees will be in place. They also decide the cost of parking fees.
"Parking fees vary in Ireland and can be set and adjusted by each local authority."
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