Taxi drivers are flouting official pick-up rules outside Brighton Railway Station, collecting passengers at the front entrance illegally, despite a designated taxi rank at the rear on Stroudley Road. The situation is fueling growing frustration among law-abiding drivers, local residents, and businesses — and raising fresh criticism of Brighton & Hove City Council’s lack of enforcement.

The front forecourt of the station, once a legal and busy taxi pick-up point, was closed in late 2019 under a joint agreement between Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and the council to ease congestion, noise, and pollution on Surrey Street. Official pick-ups are now only permitted at the rear of the station — a rank restricted to Brighton-licensed taxis with paid permits.

That rear rank is enforced via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and monitored by GTR’s contracted enforcement team.

But in reality, many drivers continue to collect passengers at the front, often parking illegally on double yellow lines, bus stops, and even pedestrian crossings — putting public safety at risk and causing confusion for visitors.

“We’re told to use the rank at the back, but no one’s enforcing anything,” said one licensed Brighton driver. “Why should we follow the rules when others aren’t being held accountable?”

Enforcement Breakdown

Despite warnings that rogue drivers face fines of up to £500 or licence suspension, enforcement by Brighton & Hove City Council remains sporadic and ineffective, say critics.

?‍♀️The issue is not only logistical, but also symbolic of broader failures in local governance. A local business owner told Sussex News:

“This isn’t just about where taxis park. It’s about a city authority that’s failing to protect those who play by the rules. It’s an embarrassing mess.”

Wider Discontent

The rear rank, while intended to bring order, has drawn criticism from both drivers and passengers for being less accessible, more exposed to the weather, and often leading to higher fares due to the longer travel route.

Petitions calling for a return of the front-rank have gained traction among residents and local stakeholders.

As tourism season nears, calls for action are intensifying. Without meaningful enforcement, many say the current system unfairly penalises rule-followers while rewarding repeat offenders.