BUS LANE BULLETIN


PH CARS BARRED FROM EDINBURGH BUS LANES AS TRANSPORT COMMITTEE DEFEATS TRIAL BID


A proposal to allow private hire vehicles temporary access to Edinburgh’s bus lanes has been defeated by the city’s transport committee, although a review of “bus gates” (traffic filters) is set to follow. The move maintains a rule that PH drivers have blasted as “dis- crimination by badge” since black cabs are permitted to use them. The Scottish Private Hire Association voiced its “deep con- cern and frustration” at the exclusion, arguing that PHVs were “essential to Edinburgh’s transport network.” Similarly, the GMB union, representing many PHV drivers, claimed the rules negatively impact disabled passengers. The union argued: “By excluding PHVs


from bus lanes and bus gates, many passengers with


disabilities are forced to walk longer distances - often in unsafe or poorly lit conditions - to reach their pre-booked vehicles.” However, bus operators and user groups expressed concern that allowing more vehicles into bus lanes would undermine the purpose of the dedicated routes. The Edinburgh Bus Users Group was clear: “The purpose of bus lanes is to speed up journeys for buses and passengers, and improve reliability. Adding more vehicles negates by causing delays and reducing bus reliability.” Cycle campaign Spokes echoed this, warning that introducing more vehicles would be “the exact opposite” of what bus lanes were intended to do. Tory group leader Iain Whyte, who proposed allowing PHVs to use bus


lanes on a trial basis, stressed the need for fairness due to the rise in app-based travel, stating: “We have to be fair across the board.” But Lib Dem transport spokesman Kevin Lang argued that allowing a substantial increase in vehicles “will have significant impact” on bus lanes. Despite the rejection of the bus lane trial, Committee Convener Stephen Jenkinson agreed to a future review of all existing and proposed bus gates to determine access for both PHVs and taxis. He conceded that “the issue of traffic filters is something that should be looked at on a case-by- case basis,” though this review will only occur after the council’s licensing department concludes its current review into a possible cap on PHV numbers.


CALL FOR TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE ACCESS TO BUS LANES IN ROTHERHAM


A petition launched by Cllr Simon Ball is calling for taxis and PHVs to be allowed to use bus lanes in Rotherham, a request that will go before the council. Cllr Ball believes this change would align Rotherham with other towns in the region and represents “best practice.” The request would require changing local traffic regulations to permit both hackney carriages and PHVs in designated bus lanes. A motion to go to the council states: “Rotherham should not lag behind its South Yorkshire neighbours in supporting vital


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public transport services. “A review of policies in nearby councils reveals a clear trend towards inclusion: Sheffield City Council permits taxis to use bus lanes and gates, recognising them as essential public transport. “Doncaster Council explicitly allows ‘permitted taxis’ to use bus lanes where indicated by signs, along- side buses and cycles, during restricted hours. This exemption is enforced to ensure compliance while prioritising mobility for taxi users. “Barnsley Council, by


contrast,


restricts bus lanes to buses and occasionally cyclists, with no


provision for this despite long- standing requests from the local trade dating back to at least 2013. “This outdated approach high- lights an opportunity for Rotherham to lead regionally by adopting a more progressive stance." Cllr Ball argues that permitting licensed taxis into bus lanes would deliver “tangible advantages for Rotherham’s residents, economy and environment,”


including


“faster and more reliable journeys; taxis could bypass congestion.” Cllr Ball will ask the council to conduct a public consultation on the idea within three months.


DECEMBER 2025 PHTM


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