PLANS to ban taxis from Edinburgh's Waverley Station have been dropped by Network Rail.
The controversial proposals had been attacked by City of Edinburgh Council, which had complained about the impact a ban on all vehicles would have had on train passengers and people with disabilities.
The number of black taxis able to access the station will instead be controlled by a secure entry system.
It is understood this had previously been suggested by Network Rail, but had been knocked back by council officials concerned about vehicles backing up on to Waverley Bridge.
A revised access plan, due to be implemented in January, has been drawn up following a meeting of senior council officials last Friday with David Simpson, the Scottish route director for Network Rail.
The deal is expected to lead to a far lower bill for road improvements, which had previously been put at nearly £1 million by the council, as new cab ranks will not need to be built.
Mr Simpson said Network Rail had faced a difficult balance between security concerns and the needs of passengers.
He said: "The status quo of letting open access for all vehicles into the station is no longer acceptable for a major transport hub.
"However, we have listened to a wide range of user groups and understand that taxi pick-ups and drop-offs at Waverley are a benefit which would be sorely missed."
The announcement was welcomed by Lesley Hinds, transport convener for City of Edinburgh Council. She said: "I am very pleased that we have been able to work constructively with Network Rail to reach this welcome agreement regarding vehicle access to Waverley Station.
"Both parties recognise the importance of balancing security concerns with the need to maintain adequate public access to the station, especially for older people or those with mobility issues."
The new system will see two barriers introduced, one for vehicles and the other to check the driver of the vehicle, with both black cabs and minibuses adapted for carrying disabled people able to pre-register in order to gain access.
Though the details are yet to be ironed out, it is expected the first barrier is likely to use automatic vehicle recognition software.
The ban had been proposed as part of a major overhaul of Waverley Station.
It has resulted in new lifts and escalators to Princes Street being installed and the Market Street entrance being upgraded.
Council officials are now expected to revisit their plans for street improvements associated with the new regime, following agreement with Network Rail that the company would pay for "localised" changes.
The council had previously been embroiled in a row with the company over the cost and extent of road improvements that it claimed would be necessary if taxis were banned.
The access overhaul will see drop-offs for private vehicles moved to Market Street and free short-term parking of up to 30 minutes available at the New Street car park south of the station.
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