A poor Olympic
By Mike Hughes ©impression?
As part of their winning bid the London Olympic committee pledged to
provide a fi rst class transport service to avoid the chaotic situation with
the Atlanta Olympic games where athletes and offi cials were considerably
delayed due to traffi c snarl ups.
Part of this is to provide special ʻOlympicʼ traffi c lanes. Although no
defi nitive plans have been published - one possibility is that they will use
existing bus lanes in specially marked vehicles and London taxis, which
are already allowed to use the majority of these lanes.
One major bus lane which many consider to be of prime importance
in giving a good impression is the M4 bus lane from Heathrow into
central London. This allows buses and London licensed taxis to speed
past queuing traffi c - an important requirement of the International
Olympic Committee (IOC). Despite some comment when this lane was
introduced, studies (http://www.cbrd.co.uk/indepth/m4buslane/) appear
forced to brake suddenly when PH vehicles suddenly pull into this lane.
to show that traffi c fl ows are in fact quicker than prior to the laneʼs
It appears that there have already been a number of accidents in this
introduction, as it provides ʻescapeʼ and alternative route possibilities at
lane due to the use by non-authorized vehicles. Fortunately, none of
junction 3 of the motorway.
these has yet resulted in serious injury, but at this rate it is only a matter
of time. Indeed, I should know something about traffi c problems, as prior
Now the safety and usage of this lane is being brought into question.
to becoming a London taxi driver I was a Police Traffi c Offi cer, gaining a
Although taxis are legally allowed to use this lane, private hire vehicles
class 1-motorcycle grade on an advanced training course.
(PH) are not allowed to. The law is very specifi c on this matter, but that
law is now being openly fl outed by many of the PH vehicles. Indeed, the
There is some diffi culty in establishing just who is responsible for policing
biggest operator, Addison Lee, has written to its drivers openly inviting
this lane. The highways agency installed the lane, but claim that policing
them to use the lane in defi ance of the law.
is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Police. They in turn claim that it is
dangerous to pull offending vehicles over. The whole problem could easily
This is causing great concern among Londonʼs ʻblack cabʼ drivers who
be resolved if bus lane cameras were installed on this lane.
are acknowledged to be the most professional in the world. I am a
professional and experienced London taxi driver, and I use that lane
Although some could claim that taxis drivers are concerned about protecting
regularly to take passenger into central London. Provided non-authorized
their privileges, they are quick to point out that it is all about safety. London
vehicles keep out of this lane it is very safe to use it. However, there
taxis are very distinctive. Provincial taxis which are also allowed to use
have been increasing incidents where I, and my colleagues, have been
this lane have specifi c signs indicating that they are licensed taxis. PH
vehicles do not have these signs. Indeed, they are prohibited from having
them in most licensing authorities. This is where the problems arises.
Without wholesale changes to the licensing laws, especially in London, PH
CHEAP T
axi
vehicles cannot be identifi ed in such a clear manner. Any use by them of
this lane encourages other drivers to use it. This use is usually triggered
by becoming stuck in slow moving traffi c and then impatiently making a
Insur
ance!
sudden move into the bus lane. If this happens when a 2 plus ton taxi is
approaching could result in serious injury or even death.
How can this affect the Olympics? Quite simply if PH drivers regularly get into
TAXI the habit of using bus lanes they will do the same in central London, resulting
in more vehicles in the lanes, slower bus and taxi times and a greater
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likelihood of accidents. What would that do for the IOCʼs confi dence?
What will it take before this matter is resolved? That is the question that ● mirror private car
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TAXI
taxi, bus, and crew coach drivers are asking.
● new badge holders Mikehughes@taxitalk.co.uk
Copyright Mike Hughes 2009
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