North Tyneside minicab drivers permitted to use bus lane pending review Minicab drivers have welcomed a council’s review of bus lanes following a dispute.
Earlier this year minicab drivers were being hit with £60 fines by North Tyneside Council for using the new Balliol Bus Link, despite a sign saying the road can be used by buses, cyclists and taxis.
Stephen McGuinness said around 30 of his drivers had been fined because the authority said the road was for the use of hackney carriages rather than private-hire cars.
The council insisted it was common knowledge when signs indicate a taxi is permitted to use the road, it refers to hackney carriages only.
But the authority has now started a review of the bus lane network.
Letters have gone out to invite feedback.
The review will explore how best bus lanes can be used to ensure the easy movement of public transport as well as supporting the needs of businesses.
In the meantime, private hire drivers are allowed to use bus lanes in the borough, pending the outcome of the consultation.
Coun Frank Lott, cabinet member for economic development, said: “We need to find a solution that works for the majority, so it is important that we get as wide involvement in this consultation as possible.
“The bus lanes play an important part in our public transport network, but we also need to ensure they work to support our businesses and the sustained viability of our town centres.
“This review will aim to provide some clarity for all road users about who is allowed to use bus lanes and who shouldn’t and enable a clear and consistent enforcement policy to be put in place.”
Duane Davidson, supervisor with a minicab firm, said: “We are pleased this review is being carried out and we will definitely be putting forward our comments about the issue.
source:
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nor ... il-4022175
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