CABBIES say they are being driven out of business after council chiefs gave them just 24 parking slots for 187 cars.
In the daytime two taxi ranks are available for Preston's black cab drivers - one in Tithebarn Street, providing space for 15 taxis, and one next to the Miller Arcade, with room for five.
Preston Borough Council has licensed 187 black cabs, many of which are now shared by drivers, meaning they are on the road 24 hours a day.
The drivers say it is costing them trade.
Sandra Chesters, secretary for the Preston Hackney Carriage Driver's Association, said: "We are supposed to drive round until we can fit on to the rank, which increases pollution and congests the town centre." After 6.30pm, other ranks in Church Street open up, ready to cater for Preston's nightlife.
A spokesman for the council confirmed the figures but said not all taxis are operational 24 hours a day.
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