A Warrnambool taxi service is concerned about the safety of its drivers and the public at the Gilles Street rank after it was revealed security services were due to finish on June 30.

The council has blamed state government rate capping for the cut. 

13 CABS Warrnambool driver representative Jamie Woodbridge said a lack of security would make it unsafe for drivers and their vehicles, as well as taxi patrons. 

“Cars will be damaged and drivers will be in danger,” Mr Woodbridge said. “We will not be attempting to pick up passengers.

“It’s a real concern.”

The state government committed $500,000 towards the Gilles Street renewal including $200,000 for a new taxi rank.

The total cost of the project was $850,000, with the council chipping in $350,000. 

“We can’t understand why that much money was spent on the revamp and now we won’t use it,” Mr Woodbridge said.

13 CABS director Rodney Woodbridge said if security was removed, there could be up to 100 people “diving” for a taxi on Saturday nights.

“There will be massive fights,” he said. 

A council spokesman said it had a focus on developing safe spaces and using technology to improve security around the central business district.

“The Gilles Street toilets and taxi rank were designed with safety as a key consideration,” he said.

“The precinct is brightly illuminated after dark and monitored through CCTV cameras. In light of rate capping imposed by the Victorian government and on the effectiveness of CCTV monitoring a decision was made to remove the security officers.”

He said the service had been paid for entirely by the council at an annual cost of about $30,000.

“These are difficult decisions but council is embracing technology and looking at improved streetscape design to create safe, accessible public places,” he said.