Proposed changes to the road layout at York Railway Station have been condemned as “awkward” and “diabolical”.

The drop-off point at the front of the station has been blocked off to private-hire drivers, who now have to leave passengers round the corner from the station in Tea Room Square.

Ian Pinder, who has driven for Fleetways Taxis for 13 years, said this was not just inconvenient when helping customers with bags, but could also be dangerous for disabled customers.

He said: “With the wind and rain it’s not fair on disabled customers that we can’t drop them off right inside when the Hackney Carriages can.

“For us, with everyone forced into Tea Room Square, it is more awkward for dropping off as it’s blocking traffic. It’s absolutely diabolical really, when we’re trying to take people with suitcases or disabled people into the station and our drivers have had to leave their cars round the corner and help them in.”

Mr Pinder said since the drop-off point had been at the front of the station, traffic had become a regular problem in Station Road.

He said: “I have spoken to station drivers before who have had complaints from customers, as it can cost £2 on the meter before you even get out of the loop.

“I don’t know what they’re trying to achieve, because it’s no safer, especially for the disabled as they are having to walk a longer distance.”

An East Coast spokesman said the changes were part of a two-week trial by the company, which runs the station, and would continue until Monday, February 11.

He said: “Its purpose is to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety at this very busy location.

“The trial is being conducted with full involvement and support from City of York Council as the highways authority, who are installing additional signage to ensure the trial relocation is clearly understood by everyone using the station. We have also liaised with the major taxi operator at the station.

“At the end of the trial, we will revert to the previous arrangements and assess the results, including consulting fully with the taxi proprietors, before considering any longer-term revisions to the layout.”