A taxi industry lobby group fears a planned rank outside the Fremantle Markets could put drivers’ lives at risk because cabbies could get “trapped in” if a fight breaks out.

For years drivers have avoided the port city late at night because of long queues and frustrated, boozed-up revellers destroying everything in sight waiting for a cab.

This week the Rudd government gave the council $115,000 to relocate the South Terrace rank to the western end of Henderson Street Mall.

WA taxi council CEO Olwyn Williams says the council needs sort out a few planning issues with the rank, which will be open from 11pm to the early hours.

“The rank is on a pedestrian thoroughfare so we need assurance from council the taxis won’t be in any danger,” she told the Herald.

“There could be hundreds of people lining for cabs, and the taxis have only one access point getting in and out.

“If one gets caught in a melee you won’t see taxis down in Fremantle for a long time.”

Mayor Brad Pettitt says the rank will be better for everyone and he looks forward to the return of late-night cabbies.

“The current rank is not in an ideal location as it is too far from any public toilets and too close to the bus stop and clutters up the footpath leading to potential problems,” he says.

Fremantle federal Labor MP Melissa Parke says anyone who has tried to hail a cab late at night over the weekend would understand the importance of safety at the ranks.

She says the funds will help improve security for drivers and passengers, with better lighting and CCTV.

“People should be able go out on the weekend and get a taxi home without having to worry about their safety.

“Improved lighting and CCTV cameras have been demonstrated to reduce aggression and anti-social behaviour at taxi ranks.”

by BRENDAN FOSTER