'Cab drivers risk a fine so I can shop'

Tom Green, of Ruislip Road in Hanwell, has an artificial hip, arthritis and uses a frame to walk. He says he uses taxis to visit Greenford Broadway and shop.

But the 71-year-old says it is too difficult for him to walk from the car park, which is the only place cabs can park without running the risk of a ticket.

Instead he relies on drivers to park as close as possible to where he needs to go.

Mr Green, who lives in Evergreen Court, said: "I can't use a blue badge as I take cabs, but even if I could what's the point when you can only use the car park and it's too far to walk where you want to go?

"The cab drivers are good to me and usually take a chance while I'm drawing my pension money from the cash-point but they shouldn't have to sit there shaking like a leaf worried they're going to get a £50 fine.

"What do they expect a disabled person to do? Let's have some common sense about this. There are a lot of people affected by this but despite all the work going on nothing seems to be getting done about it.

"I telephoned the council and they said it's nothing to do with us. Whose responsibility is it then?"

But a council spokeswoman said cars were allowed to drop off and collect passengers on double yellow lines but not wait.

She said: "Good for Greenford work is now underway to revitalise the town centre, and as part of this regeneration the council will be introducing more loading and stop-and-shop bays. The plans are designed to attract more shoppers and make Greenford a safer and cleaner place to be.

"The council has already reduced car parking charges in Greenford Broadway car park and the new bays will make it even easier for people to come and shop."