Taxi drivers in Malvern want rank space restored. In a report by Worcester News, they describe changes at Edith Walk and near the Post Office as a loss of rank space that is cutting income. Some customers are struggling to find the drivers and having to cross the road in dangerous positions.
Worcestershire County Council made a waiting order on 3 September 2026, in force from 24 September. From 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, waiting is limited to one hour, with no return within one hour, on two lengths the notice describes as taxi ranks. The west side of Wells Road is covered from 20.5 metres south of Church Street for 18 metres to the south. The south side of Edith Walk is covered from 14.5 metres west of Back Lane for 15.3 metres to the west. The public notice of the order sets out exemptions for access and limited waiting by disabled persons' vehicles. It does not name the Post Office.
The council's account in the same report is that the Edith Walk and Post Office changes followed the full statutory process for a traffic regulation order. Consultees included Malvern Hills District Council, Malvern Town Council, West Mercia Police, the taxi licensing officer at Worcestershire Regulatory Services and local taxi traders. Amended proposals were then advertised, with notices at the locations. No objections were received in the public advertising periods, and the order was formally made.
What the trade reports
Sue Penny, who owns Sue's Taxi and Classic Cabs, puts the loss at three taxi spaces in the area and describes drivers as not having been told about the consultation, with no taxi forum since the Covid pandemic. Near the Post Office, the restriction she describes should leave room for four taxis after 5.30pm, while other vehicles regularly use the bays. The figures of three spaces and four taxis are hers.
The station
Drivers have also raised Great Malvern railway station. They report taxi rank markings painted over overnight about six weeks ago. Shamreez Akhtar puts about 90 per cent of his previous business at the station, an estimate rather than an official count, and describes former customers moving to Uber, no sign pointing passengers to taxis on the other side of the road, and no jobs during the recent Autumn Quilting and Sewing Show, when he would usually expect more work. His newest taxi cost £30,000, on his figures, and his licence more than £350. "I am now struggling with this combined with the weight of paying off my mortgage. We want our taxi ranks back."
The county council's comment on the traffic order does not mention the station.