Norwich taxi drivers protest Exchange Street car ban

Between 60 and 70 taxis turned up to voice their defiance over the decision to pedestrianise Exchange Street by the county council as part of its Connecting the Norwich Lanes Project.

Craig Dimbleby, chairman of the Norwich Taxi Association headed up the protest, which took place in the Guildhall Hill taxi rank between 11am and 12 noon.

He said: "The closure of Exchange Street is absolutely ridiculous - this isn't a police state.

"They can't stop our lads from going to work and earning a living, it's as simple as that.

"I'm so angry at all of this.

"A lot of drivers here have put 30 or 40 years into this city and we've had enough.

"We want our streets back."

Councillor Martin Wilby, cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure at Norfolk County Council, said: "The changes to Exchange Street that remove general traffic and create a pedestrian and cycle zone have been in place on a temporary basis for over two years.

"When we asked people about the proposals last year as part of our Connecting the Lanes consultation, the majority of people supported both the overall project and the proposals on Exchange Street."

Those protesting were also quick to slam the idea of the taxi rank being moved as part of the city's 'Levelling Up' bid.

Paddy Watson, who has been a black cab driver in the city for 36 years said: "The project won't change anything.

"There's still one way out and people will just have to come further to find us.

"They can't close Exchange Street - it'll cause absolute chaos.

"It's already costing customers about £5 more than what they should be paying.

"It's going to take away our livelihood."

Mr Dimbleby added: "All the major hubs in the city, train station, bus station and airport - we're the ones who connect them.

"This city was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of proper Norfolk people and we want our streets back.

"We sincerely apologise to the public for any issues but we've been forced into action."