Derby Private Hire Drivers Criticize Bus Lane Restrictions

Drivers of taxis have voiced criticism regarding a bus lane located in Derby city centre, from which private hire vehicles are prohibited. Lee Roach and Adnan Khan described the Corporation Street bus lane, which extends from the Assembly Rooms to the Council House, as “ridiculous” and “unfair”. Road signs indicate that taxis may use the lane from 07:00 to 19:00; however, the city council clarified that this permission pertains exclusively to licensed yellow hackney carriage vehicles, not private hire taxis. Derby City Council defended its decision, stating that permitting private hire vehicles in bus lanes could “negate the benefits” and lead to increased traffic congestion. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the council generated £1.7 million in slightly over a year from the CCTV-monitored bus lane since the implementation of restrictions in 2021. The GMB union has become involved subsequent to complaints and expressed its intention to arrange a meeting with the council to discuss issues brought forward by its members employed in the private hire sector. Mr Khan, a taxi driver for two years, stated: “The bus lane on Corporation Street is worse than a nightmare. How is it fair? As a taxi driver, I am licensed by Derby City Council for a private hire vehicle. I am doing exactly the same job as a driver of a hackney vehicle, but apparently the rules are different, and I can’t use the road.” Mr Roach, 52, a taxi driver for 25 years, indicated that the restriction was creating difficulties for him and other cab drivers. He commented: “[It] affects taxi drivers’ big time,” adding, “The Assembly Rooms and Quad are the major dropping-off points in Derby for private hire vehicles and if we get a job, for example, at the Morledge, we now have to go the long way round and have to use more fuel.” He concluded: “When this happens at 5pm each night, it is so frustrating. It’s just ridiculous.” Craig Thomson, a GMB union officer, stated: “While the council has been tallying up millions of pounds from fines, private hire drivers have been stuck in unnecessary queues and forced to drive additional miles to make a living.” He further asserted: “Restrictions placed on the movement of private hire vehicles must be reconsidered to help get Derby moving again. Not only do these restrictions appear completely unnecessary, they are causing a drain on the private hire economy.” A spokesperson for the city council explained that the Corporation Street scheme successfully reduced traffic congestion at a busy location, thereby enabling buses to operate punctually and with greater reliability. This, in turn, promoted sustainable travel and enhanced the experience for pedestrians. The spokesperson elaborated: “Hackney carriages meet the legal definition of a taxi as they are subject to stricter licensing requirements, including vehicle specifications such as wheelchair accessibility, driver training, and fare regulations. As such, they are permitted to use some of the bus lanes (including Corporation Street) as part of the city’s integrated public transport system.” The spokesperson continued: “Hackney carriages differ from private hire vehicles, which must be booked in advance and can be confused with other cars. “If private hire vehicles were allowed into the bus lanes, the sheer volume of these vehicles could negate the benefits for buses and potentially create congestion in bus lanes.””