Taxi Driver Online

Quite a few website comments on this given that it was only published a couple of hours ago.

But someone there suggested it's specifically aimed at Uber. They're not mentioned in the piece, but other more traditional firms are quoted, and they're presumably doing cross-border work. Although I suspect it's more just pick-ups and drop-offs rather than working there full-time.


Some taxis could be banned from bus lanes in Southampton

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/181142 ... uthampton/

A ROW has broken out as some taxis could be banned from using bus lanes in Southampton.

Taxis and private hire vehicles not licensed by Southampton City Council could not be allowed to use the bus lanes and bus gates they currently use across the city.

The city council, which is now considering the move, defended the plans.

But some taxi bosses said the proposal is “unfair”.

Jaleel Iqbal, owner of Winchester Taxi Co, fear the new plans would make him lose customers.

He added: “It is unfair because if there is a taxi lane all taxis should be able to use it. It just doesn’t make sense and especially for a city like Southampton which is trying to cut pollution.”

Simon May, Radio Taxis’ chief executive, added: “This would cause more vehicles in the normal traffic flow, causing more traffic and more pollution. Passengers use transport such as taxis because they are unable to catch a bus due to mobility issues.”

Guner Pinarbasi, manager at the Ashurst-based New Forest Taxis, said the move will increase the cost of a journey.

But Perry McMillan, chairman of the Southampton cab section of Unite, said Southampton drivers are very much in favour of the move. He added: “They think this is a good way to be competitive. I understand that some may not be happy. I speak on behalf of my members who are in Southampton but I totally get that it is going to be unpopular. ”

He said there are other cities, including Portsmouth, where similar policies are in place. Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said he fears the measure would worsen air quality in the city. Opposition leader Councillor Dan Fitzhenry added: “They [the council] need to be very clear on the positive and negative and ensure they have thought it properly before they proceed.”

The city council said a decision will be made in the coming months.

In a statement the authority added: “The proposal was suggested as an opportunity to support Southampton licensed taxis who are being asked to operate the cleanest engine standards. These changes were originally proposed as part of our plan to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide as an alternative to a charging Clean Air Zone. We accept that the changes we are making are not always consistent with other licensing authorities and we want to ensure this does not disadvantage city businesses. Exclusive use of our bus lanes was suggested as an opportunity to do this.”

That's gonna be an interesting one to fit on a sign post. Even if they can come up with a TRO that can legally exclude vehicles licensed by another authority, if the signage is inadequate it won't stand up in court.

No different to Chester, “Bus taxi and authorised vehicles only” i.e, Cheshire west and Chester licensed private hire vehicles and emergency vehicles.

I think it's quite an easy process to amend the TRO.

I can see a time, quite soon, when B&H Council act likewise.

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IDFIMH

The original proposal was made known to us on 6th November.

As there is no approved sign in the TSRGD, they will need special consent from the Secretary of State for a non-standard sign to be used. I'm looking forward to winning the challenge on my bus lane tickets if they don't get it right! SCC's track record on getting TROs correct is pretty abysmal. It normally costs them a few tribunal defeats before they get their act together.

Perry McMillan is incorrect about Portsmouth. Their bus lanes are correctly marked with a standard sign. All HCs, regardless of origin, can use them. Much like London.

Think this guy might have been better putting more work into his signs than the clown outfit

But doubt if it would make a lot of difference either way

And the bus lane stuff is probably a bit of a red-herring. Seems more about cross-border working, and doubt if the bus lane access thing would make a whole lot of difference


Calls to ban some taxis from Southampton bus lanes

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/182858 ... bus-lanes/


Image: Daily Echo

CITY bosses have been urged to ban some taxis from using bus lanes in Southampton.

Ali Haydor, the Southampton private hire trade representative, braved the rain yesterday and, dressed as a clown, protested for hours outside the civic centre to ask councillors to approve proposals which would allow only taxis and private vehicles licensed by Southampton City Council to use the bus lanes and bus gates across the city.

As reported, the plans were first unveiled last year and are currently being considered by licensing bosses at the city council.

The authority had previously said the proposal was suggested as an opportunity to support Southampton licensed taxis who are being asked to operate "the cleanest engine standards".

But Mr Haydor said taxi drivers have waited too long and a decision should be made as soon as possible.

When asked what he wanted to achieve with his protest he said: "We want to achieve that they give Southampton licensed vehicles access to the bus lanes - only for Southampton licensed vehicles. This deals not only with emissions but also with the safety of passengers. It has to be implemented as soon as possible."

Sam Shahid, Southampton hackney representative, backed Mr Haydor's initiative.

He said he met with city council officers last week.

But he added: "I'm not satisfied, I think they are taking the side of outside taxis. They should support Southampton taxis first, we are the ones who pay them."

As reported, the proposals had sparked criticisms as taxi companies based in towns around Southampton feared the plans would increase traffic and pollution in the city.

In a statement Southampton City Council said: "To support Southampton licence holders who are required to operate to some of the highest licensing standards in the country, that benefit passengers, drivers and the environment, it was proposed to restrict the use of bus lanes to Southampton licensed vehicles only. Subsequent feedback as part of the consultation has highlighted the potential for some unintended consequences and we have been assessing these.

"This has caused a small delay in introducing the changes but we need to ensure we get it right. We expect to conclude this work in the coming weeks and find a solution that satisfies our original aims whilst accommodating the wider needs of the taxi and private hire sector . We have been open and transparent with the trade via their elected representatives and that dialogue will continue.

As part of the Green City Charter, we have set ambitious goals to improve air quality."


Image: Daily Echo

Absolutely certain a ban on non local taxi/PH in B&H bus lanes would have a major effect on non local taxi/PHs.

Bring it on.

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IDFIMH