COMMENTS from Devon County Council highways department are being sought on the possibility of keeping a taxi rank in Okehampton's Fore Street which is the subject of a 166-signature petition.
Taxi driver Bob Taylor told a meeting of West Devon Borough Council last week that people using the shops did not want to walk the longer distance to the new rank in Market Street.
The taxi rank was relocated by the highways authority because of the limited visibility at the Fore Street site and cars pulling out on to a very busy road.
It is situated by the town's two supermarkets and new toilet block.
Speaking on behalf of his business 'BT Taxi' and also 'Okehampton Taxis', Mr Taylor said he knew safety was of the utmost importance.
But the drivers felt it was possible to provide a safe taxi bay for two cars nose-to-tail within the borough council's improvement plans for the area, he said.
'I moved to the area six months ago and brought a disabled access taxi with me,' he said.
'The rank in Fore Street is convenient to the disabled and the elderly who are the bulk of taxi income.
'We believe we will lose income, not only during the day from those who would rather walk home than down Market Street, but also during the evenings when those using all the public houses would prefer a taxi in sight.'
Mr Taylor added that the new rank was tucked away and lady drivers felt more vulnerable waiting there at night.
His views were supported by Cllr Joan Pauley who said it was most important to have a couple of taxis in the middle of town.
The matter was deferred so the views of the highway authority could be sought.