Cabinet to consider changes to taxi ranks as town centre regeneration continues
St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet will next week consider the relocation of existing Hackney Carriage ranks and the creation of several new ones in St Helens town centre.
Article date: 28 August 2026
The move would ensure taxi services continue to meet the needs of residents, visitors and businesses throughout the town centre's ambitious regeneration programme.
Hackney carriage or black cab ranks play an important role in the local transport network, providing residents and visitors with access to licensed taxis and supporting connectivity to key destinations.
The council is required to keep rank provision under review to ensure facilities remain fit for purpose and reflect changing patterns of demand and activity. A consultation and engagement meeting with the local taxi trade took place earlier this year, with their suggestions incorporated into the proposals.
The proposals form part of the council's wider commitment to maintaining safe, accessible and efficient transport options while supporting the borough's economy and town centres. Previous reviews have recognised the need for rank provision to evolve alongside regeneration projects and changes in travel habits.
Recent developments include the start of essential highways enabling works around Hall Street, preparing the ground for the installation of a new future-proofed drainage system to serve the new St Helens Transport Interchange facility and Phase One development. Temporary road changes have been implemented to allow the works.
Councillor Sharon Roughley, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said:
"Hackney carriage services are an important part of our transport network, helping people travel safely and conveniently across the borough.
"The recommendations being considered by Cabinet are intended to ensure that taxi rank provision continues to meet the needs of residents, visitors and the licensed trade, while supporting ongoing improvements to our town centres and public spaces.
"We look forward to discussing the proposals and considering the benefits they could bring for passengers and drivers alike."
The proposals would see taxi ranks removed at Church Street north and south, Bridge Street and Exchange Street, with replacement hackney carriage stands to be created at:
- Bridge Street, north section (24 hours)
- Hall Street (24 hours)
- Shaw Street (24 hours)
- Claughton Street (24 hours)
- Ormskirk Street 1 (24 hours)
- Ormskirk Street 2 (24 hours)
- Baldwin Street (evening only)
- Cotham Street (evening only)
- North John Street (evening only)
- Westfield Street (east and west) (evening only)
- Waterloo Street (evening only)
- Bridge Street (evening only)