Bridging the Gap: Barrow & Ulverston Taxi Troubles

Navigating taxi services between neighbouring towns should be straightforward, yet for residents and visitors travelling between Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston, it's anything but. Despite both towns now falling under the umbrella of the Westmorland and Furness Council, a persistent and perplexing problem of fragmented taxi policies continues to plague inter-town travel. This issue, deeply rooted in historical district divisions, creates significant inconvenience and, more critically, poses genuine safety risks for individuals attempting to traverse the seven-mile stretch between these two Cumbrian locales.

The core of the problem, as highlighted by experienced local driver George Harkin, lies in the stark differences in taxi fares and operational rules between Barrow and Ulverston. Mr Harkin, a familiar face on the Barrow-in-Furness taxi scene, points out a rather illogical but strictly enforced regulation: “Barrow taxi drivers are not allowed to park on the Ulverston rank and Ulverston taxi drivers are not allowed to on the Barrow rank.” This seemingly minor detail creates a monumental hurdle. Imagine arriving in one town, needing to get home to the other, only to find that taxis from your destination town cannot legally pick you up from the rank in your current location. This forces passengers into a difficult situation, often leaving them stranded or, worse, resorting to unsafe alternatives.

The Perilous Journey: When Taxis Are Not an Option

The practical implications of these fragmented rules are far-reaching and, at times, alarming. Mr Harkin vividly recounts instances that underscore the gravity of the situation: “There’s always been a problem of safety with people getting home. I’ve found people walking up a bypass in the pitch black, trying to get maybe seven miles from Ulverston to Barrow, because they haven’t been able to get a taxi.” This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a serious public safety concern. Walking along a bypass, especially in darkness, is inherently dangerous, exposing individuals to fast-moving traffic and other hazards. For residents and visitors alike, the inability to secure a safe and legal taxi ride between these towns is a significant failing in local transport provision.

This problem is further compounded by economic disparities. Mr Harkin, who is also a founder of the app-based taxi-booking service Appy Cabs, explains that even modern technological solutions struggle to bridge this divide. Ulverston taxi drivers, he notes, charge higher fares than their Barrow counterparts. This difference makes it impractical for Ulverston drivers to utilise platforms like Appy Cabs, as their pricing structure wouldn't align with the expectations of passengers accustomed to Barrow's rates, or vice versa. Consequently, what should be a straightforward, app-based booking becomes a complex logistical and financial puzzle, leaving the digital solution unable to fully alleviate the analogue problem.

The Road to Harmonisation: Westmorland and Furness Council's Role

While the issue of disparate taxi policies predates the formation of the new unitary Westmorland and Furness Council on 1 April 2023 – having been a legacy of the previous separate districts of Barrow Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council – there is now a clearer expectation for a unified approach. Mr Harkin rightly asserts that the new council should have by now created a single taxi policy across its entire area. This would involve a comprehensive review and subsequent harmonisation of all aspects of taxi licensing, including, crucially, the fare structures and rank regulations.

Encouragingly, the Westmorland and Furness Council acknowledges the problem and confirms that a new policy is indeed under development. A spokesperson for the council stated that a consultation process is anticipated to commence in the summer. This consultation is designed to gather feedback and will specifically “take into account the harmonisation of all aspects of the licensing of Hackney carriages including fares across the former authority areas in Westmorland and Furness.” This is a vital step towards creating a coherent and equitable taxi service across the region. However, the path to implementation isn't immediate; any recommended proposal following the consultation will require approval from the Secretary of State before any changes can be applied. This multi-stage process means that while progress is being made, a fully unified system is still some time away.

Understanding Taxi Licensing and Council Responsibilities

The Westmorland and Furness Council, since its inception, has taken over a broad range of licensing responsibilities from the former authorities. These responsibilities are crucial for protecting public safety and fostering public confidence in various activities, including taxi services. The council is responsible for issuing and regulating Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licences. This involves ensuring that drivers are fit and proper, vehicles are safe and well-maintained, and that services operate within established legal frameworks.

The council's remit extends beyond taxis to a multitude of other licences and permits, such as Charity Collections, Animal Welfare, Boat and Boatmen Licences, Caravan Site Licences, Skin Piercing and Tattooing, and Scrap Metal Sites, among others. While the specific details for these other licences are distinct, they collectively demonstrate the council's overarching role in regulatory oversight for public good. It's important to note that while the council also operates a Street Trading Consent scheme, which requires businesses to obtain consent for trading on the street, this is separate from the specific regulations governing taxi operations. Taxis fall under the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing framework, which is distinct from street trading, though both are managed under the broader 'licensing' department of the council.

For transparency and public access, Westmorland and Furness Council maintains Public Registers for various licences, including those pertaining to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles in the Barrow area. These registers allow the public to view details of licensed operators, promoting accountability and helping to prevent fraud. The council explicitly states that it may share information with other organisations, including the Police, and conduct searches using publicly available databases to prevent and detect fraud, underscoring the seriousness with which they approach licensing compliance.

What to Expect: The Path Forward for Taxi Users

The impending consultation on a new, harmonised taxi policy represents a significant opportunity to rectify long-standing issues. The aim is to create a seamless experience for passengers, where the cost of a journey from Barrow to Ulverston, or vice versa, is consistent and predictable, regardless of where the taxi originates. This would eliminate the current confusion and the need for passengers to risk their safety by walking long distances.

For the public, the key takeaways are:

• Current Difficulties Persist: As of now, getting a taxi directly between Barrow and Ulverston can still be challenging due to differing fares and rank restrictions.
• Safety Concerns are Real: The current situation has led to people resorting to unsafe methods of travel, particularly at night.
• Council is Working on a Solution: Westmorland and Furness Council is actively developing a new, unified taxi policy.
• Public Consultation is Coming: A consultation process is expected to begin in the summer, offering an opportunity for public input.
• Approval Process Takes Time: Any new policy will require approval from the Secretary of State before it can be implemented, meaning changes will not be immediate.

The benefits of a unified policy are clear: enhanced public safety, greater convenience for travellers, and a more equitable operating environment for taxi drivers across the Westmorland and Furness area. It will simplify journeys, reduce confusion, and ensure that a safe, reliable taxi service is available when needed, irrespective of which side of the old district boundary one is on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a taxi from Barrow-in-Furness to Ulverston?

Yes, it is possible, but it can be difficult due to differing fare structures and regulations that prevent taxis from one town from picking up at the ranks in the other. This often means a taxi might drop you off but cannot legally pick up a fare for the return journey from the rank.

Why is it difficult to get a taxi between Barrow and Ulverston?

The main reasons are the historical differences in taxi licensing rules and fare structures between the former Barrow Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council areas. This means Barrow taxis and Ulverston taxis operate under different conditions, including where they can wait for fares.

Are Barrow and Ulverston now in the same council area?

Yes, as of 1 April 2023, both Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston are part of the new Westmorland and Furness Council area, which replaced the previous district councils.

What is Westmorland and Furness Council doing to address this issue?

The council is currently developing a new, harmonised taxi policy that aims to unify licensing rules and fare structures across the entire Westmorland and Furness area. A public consultation on this policy is anticipated to start in the summer.

When will the new unified taxi policy be implemented?

While a consultation is expected in the summer, any proposed changes will require approval from the Secretary of State before they can be applied. This means the full implementation of a unified policy will take some time.

Do taxi booking apps help resolve the problem?

While apps like Appy Cabs exist, the differing fare structures between Barrow and Ulverston drivers make it impractical for some drivers (e.g., higher-charging Ulverston drivers) to effectively use such platforms for inter-town journeys, limiting their effectiveness in bridging the gap.

Is it safe to walk between Barrow and Ulverston if I can't get a taxi?

No, it is highly unsafe to walk between these towns, especially along bypasses or in the dark. The lack of available taxis has unfortunately led some individuals to take these risks, highlighting the urgent need for a solution.

In conclusion, the journey for a seamless taxi service between Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston has been a long and challenging one, marked by historical divisions and their practical repercussions. However, with the Westmorland and Furness Council actively working towards a new, harmonised policy, there is a clear path towards resolving these long-standing issues. The upcoming consultation will be a crucial step, and the ultimate approval of a unified system promises to bring much-needed clarity, convenience, and, most importantly, enhanced safety for all who rely on taxi services in this vital part of Cumbria.

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