Derby Taxi Drivers Condemn Bus Lane Restrictions as "Unfair"

Taxi drivers in Derby have raised concerns over a bus lane in the city centre, describing the rules as "unfair" and "ridiculous." The lane, located on Corporation Street, excludes private hire vehicles while permitting licensed hackney carriages, sparking frustration among drivers.

Restrictive Rules Cause Outrage

The controversy centres on Corporation Street, a busy road running between the Assembly Rooms and the Council House. Signs indicate that taxis are allowed to use the lane between 07:00 and 19:00. However, Derby City Council clarified that this privilege is limited to licensed yellow hackney carriage vehicles, excluding private hire taxis.

Adnan Khan, a private hire taxi driver, shared his frustration, stating:

"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."

Council's Defence: Sustainability and Traffic Control

Derby City Council defended the restrictions, stating they aim to reduce congestion and prioritise buses for better punctuality. The council emphasized that allowing private hire vehicles into the lane could create traffic issues and negate the benefits of the scheme.

A council spokesperson explained:

"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. Private hire vehicles, which must be pre-booked, differ in these respects and could cause confusion if permitted in bus lanes."

The Corporation Street scheme, monitored by CCTV, has generated £1.7 million in fines since its implementation in 2021, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Financial and Operational Struggles

Private hire drivers have voiced concerns about the financial and operational challenges caused by the restrictions. Lee Roach, a taxi driver with 25 years of experience, highlighted the inconvenience:

"The Assembly Rooms and Quad are the major dropping-off points in Derby for private hire vehicles, and if we get a job at the Morledge, we now have to go the long way round and use more fuel. When this happens at 5pm, it's so frustrating. It's just ridiculous."

Craig Thomson, a GMB union officer, added:

"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. Restrictions placed on the movement of private hire vehicles must be reconsidered to help get Derby moving again."

Union Steps In to Advocate for Drivers

The GMB union has intervened following complaints from private hire drivers and hopes to open a dialogue with Derby City Council. The union argues that the restrictions are harming the private hire trade and creating unnecessary barriers for drivers.

Thomson commented:

"Not only do these restrictions appear completely unnecessary, but they are also causing a drain on the private hire economy. We hope to engage with the council to find a resolution that benefits everyone."

Balancing Traffic Management and Driver Needs

The debate over the "unfair" bus lane rules highlights the challenge of balancing urban traffic management with the economic needs of taxi drivers. While the council aims to promote sustainable travel and pedestrian-friendly environments, drivers argue the restrictions hinder their ability to work efficiently and fairly.