Fareham Borough Council issued the warning to taxi firms and independent drivers after complaints from shoppers, residents and firms of cars blocking the road.

But taxi drivers say they are forced to double-park as there are only 11 main town centre spaces.

Fareham's taxi rank was moved in September from behind the bus station, off Hartlands Road, to the west end of West Street for nine weeks while work was carried out on the Market Quay development. But the temporary rank will now be used until March after building work was delayed.

Fareham Borough Council chief health and regulatory services officer Garry White voiced fears over emergency vehicles getting through the taxi rank. He added: 'This is just short term. We are trying to minimise problems.'
lee.gibbs@thenews.co.uk

Should Fareham cabbies be given more leeway during the temporary taxi rank relocation or are they the scourge of other town centre users?