TAXI drivers have received fines this week for offences related to improper parking on Foregate Street. 

Taxi drivers on Foregate Street were recently highlighted in a video shared by a cyclist on social media, showing parking on double yellow lines, mounting the kerb and overhanging into bus stops.

The video sparked a large conversation about the parking situation on the city centre road, with city councillors weighing in on the issue.

Cllr Richard Udall, chairman of the Licensing and Environmental Health Committee at Worcester City Council, revealed that some drivers have already received fines for their parking.

He said: "I can confirm that a number of taxis received fixed penalties this week for offences on Foregate Street.

"Licensing officers have been taking action to enforce the rules."

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Haris Saleem, chairman of the taxi Association in Worcester, agreed that if drivers were parking illegally in the area, the fines were justified.

He said: "This has been an ongoing thing for a while now and a long-term issue.

"I think if drivers are illegally parking on Foregate Street, it cannot be defended at all.

"The drivers need to respect the law and park properly."

A message from Worcestershire Regulatory Services was sent to all drivers last week after the issue was highlighted in the Worcester News.

The email said: "This poor practice is not only a health and safety hazard, but it is also causing increased traffic flow and congestion problems in and around the city and is having a negative effect on driver reputation.

"Officers will also be working with other enforcement agencies to keep these areas clear from illegal and irresponsibly parked vehicles.

"If necessary both fixed penalty parking notices and penalty points issued under the Worcester City Hackney Carriage and Private Hire penalty point scheme, to any drivers who are found to be flouting the rules.

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Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) is a shared service delivering Environmental Health functions (food safety, health and safety and many aspects of pollution control) and Licensing administration on behalf of the six district councils in Worcestershire.