Fears cars being ‘kept away’ from Derby City Centre

An image of Derby taxi driver Mario Coletta. Image by LDRS.

Cars are reportedly “being kept away” from Derby city centre through a series of traffic measures, with one taxi driver fearing footfall is being badly affected in the area.

Mario Colella will be retiring from the wheel next year after being a taxi driver in Derby for around 43 years.

The cabbie has called on Derby City Council bosses to make changes to the city centre – because he believes it is “too restricted” for motor vehicles.

He fears the pedestrianisation of Iron Gate, a “lack” of parking, restricted access and one-way systems around Derby make it difficult for motorists to access and get around the city centre.

But Labour-led Derby City Council says it is “boosting footfall through a lively culture and events programme”.

Mr Colella said: “I think they should make the city centre more accessible to vehicles.

“But they [Derby City Council] are going the other way, [they are] keeping cars out of the city centre and getting people on the buses.

“People are turning to online shopping because shopping in Derby is not a fun experience any more.”

Last year the council completed “major overhaul” works on Albert Road and Victoria Street – turning it into a permanent one-way system.

Restrictions have also been placed on Corporation Street allowing for only cyclists buses, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians on Corporation Street between the hours of 7am and 7pm.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported that Derby City Council had raised £1.7 million from fines in just over a year from the CCTV-monitored bus lane.

It was also reported the restriction at Corporation Street angered drivers of private hire taxis because they were stuck in “unnecessary queues” by having to go alternative routes. Drivers of Hackney taxi vehicles are able to use the road.

Mr Colella, a Hackney taxi driver, says parts of the city centre were thriving and taxis were in high demand. But he feels that’s not the case now.

He added: “There’s been empty units here for 10 years.

“Iron Gate which used to be thriving and then they pedestrianised it. Then one by one all the businesses disappeared. Even Bennetts [one of Derby’s oldest store’s] closed.

“There’s more people out in Nottingham on a Monday afternoon than Derby on a Friday or Saturday night.”

Fellow cab driver Fazal Hussain said businesses were moving away from different parts of the city centre.

He said: “The Green Lane shops are struggling as well. Matalan has moved to the Wyvern. We used to have a Farmfoods but it has gone.”

But council bosses say they are working on creating a “vibrant city centre” packed with events and bringing empty buildings back into use.

Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability, said: “We encourage the use of public transport and active travel options like walking and cycling which helps reduce congestion and improve air quality.

“This creates a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment that encourages people to spend time in Derby. For those who choose to drive, available parking spaces exceed demand.

“We are also actively boosting footfall through a lively culture and events programme – including St George’s Day, Derby Festé, and Derby Market Hall events – alongside encouraging economic growth with initiatives like the Vacant to Vibrant grants, which are bringing empty units back into use. By doing this, we are creating the vibrant city centre that our local taxi trade and businesses rely on.”