The council’s taxi compliance and parking services are carrying out the joint patrols to stop other vehicles from parking in the ranks which are reserved for taxis (black cabs) only.
The ranks are clearly signed ‘taxis only’ and are located in sites close to the city centre. They offer convenient access for customers who may choose to use black cabs due to a disability.
Black cabs are wheelchair accessible and their drivers are trained on the best ways to support customers with accessibility needs.
Officers are currently carrying out regular patrols, including at night time and over the weekend. They are warning any motorists thinking of using a taxi rank to find alternative parking or face a penalty.
Last year, more than 100 Penalty Charge Notices of £70 were issued for the misuse of taxi ranks.
Councillor Craig Collingswood, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “Our taxi ranks are for black cabs only. Other vehicles should not be using them.
“The ranks are conveniently located to support passengers with accessibility needs and this inconsiderate use is making it harder for people to enjoy a visit to Wolverhampton.
“We want to make sure our city is welcoming and accessible to everyone and the misuse of these ranks by other drivers is both thoughtless and illegal. We will not hesitate to issue Penalty Charge Notices to any drivers misusing our taxi ranks.”
Anyone caught using the taxi ranks is warned they face a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £70 reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days of service.
Motorists are reminded that they can check for convenient parking at City centre car parks.
