CABBIES are boycotting Pitsea station because they are fed up with abuse from drivers who park on the taxi rank.

The arguments started when the old rank signs were removed a year ago.

The drivers hoped the problem would be solved when new parking bays were painted last month, but Alan Isley, secretary of the Basildon Taxi Association, claimed the rowing had continued because they were painted in the wrong place.

The original four-space taxi rank was on the right hand side, outside the ticket office, by the A and B cabs phone.

The new parking bays are on left hand side, where commuters and private hire taxis are used to parking.

He said: "The new lines are in the wrong place and we're hoping the problem is fixed soon.

"The real problem is at rush hour, between 4pm and 7pm, when private hire cabs and even the public park all over the lines.

"There have been lots of arguments and we just don't serve the station any more, because of the abuse.

"The public is losing out because it is only private hire cabs, which have to be called for, that are serving the station."

Hackney cabs have illuminated signs indicating they are for hire. They can tout for business, be hailed and wait in designated taxi rank spaces until a customer approaches them for a ride.

Private hire cabs must be booked by telephone or from the cab company office.

Rail company c2c, which leases the station forecourt from Network Rail, admitted the parking situation was not good enough.

Spokesman Mike Lamport said: "We agree the situation at Pitsea is not well managed at the moment and something must be done soon.

"There is a phone there from which people can call cabs, but what is needed at Pitsea is a permit system and we want to get that installed as soon as possible."