CABBIES have described plans to move a train station taxi rank as “utter madness”.

The Argus reported that Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) will move the rank outside the front of Brighton Station to the back of it, in Stroudley Road, on November 11.

But taxi drivers in the city have expressed their fury at the decision, with one driver labelling the move as “the most bizarre idea I have ever heard”.

Gavin Castle, from Patcham, has been a cab driver in Brighton for more than 25 years.

The 48-year-old said: “This is disgraceful. Most of the commuters coming from the station are going to the seafront or southbound at least.

“In New England Road (where taxis will exit the new rank) at peak times, it can be murder to even move.

“If you have got to go from the back of the station to the seafront it will probably add on 20 minutes to your journey and add another 50 per cent onto many passengers' fares.

“It’s the most bizarre idea I have ever heard. I feel so sorry for the people who will have to queue up for the cabs and whose journeys will take longer.”

For cabbies to use the taxi rank at Brighton station a permit must be purchased from GTR.

Mr Castle said: “I do not have a permit for the front of the station which is used at the moment but I have friends who use it all the time. 

“Getting back to the back of the station from Hove, from the seafront or from Kemp Town, it will be a nightmare.

“If you ask 100 taxi drivers I imagine not one single driver will think this is a good idea.

“On a business note, as well, it’s the worst idea I have ever heard of.”

Rail replacement bus services also leave from the area, sparking concerns about further congestion.

Mr Castle said: “When the rail replacement buses have to be used it will cause a problem but I don’t think it’s the biggest issue here.

“Our job is all about getting people to their destination and this will really affect that.

“I have been a cab driver in Brighton for 25 years and most passengers coming out of the station want to go towards the seafront.

“Looking at the logistics of this move of the taxi rank, it’s madness.”

Another driver also expressed concern over the impracticality of the move.

He said: “The elderly, disabled and young families now have to walk twice the length of a train to get a much-needed taxi.

“All for what? More retail and income for GTR?" 

He dubbed the move an “absolute disgrace”.

The move will see the station forecourt turned into a “welcoming covered pedestrian plaza”, a GTR spokesman said.

GTR’s lead facilities manager Karl McCormack said: “The current taxi rank has outgrown the southern entrance – with queueing along Junction Road and Surrey Street now a regular occurrence.

“We have received many representations over a number of years about this issue.

“In response to comments from residents, the local authority and local MPs, we have listened and devised this plan to meet these concerns.”

GTR also said this rank will be 50 per cent bigger and will have space for 29 vehicles.

To ensure commuters are aware of the rank, new banners will be put in the station.

Vinyl floor arrows and announcements on trains will also direct people.

Mr McCormack said: “The relocation of the rank and the ongoing redevelopment of the northern entrance is a partnership initiative between GTR and Brighton and Hove City Council.

“It will deliver a new look to both entrances, a new, larger taxi rank and an improved transport interchange for our passengers, which in turn will reduce congestion.

“We also recognise the potential concern from the taxi trade over the impact of the relocation and we will have a new way-finding campaign within the station to help passengers find their way to the new rank.”

GTR said the move will enable quicker access to the A270 and A23 for journeys out of the city.

The new taxi rank will continue to operate during major events. The current system is for temporary closures of the rank on these occasions.

If this has affected you, email harry.bullmore@theargus.co.uk