Can private hire taxis use bus lanes in the UK?
No, most local authorities forbid private hire vehicles (PHVs), like Uber and Bolt, from using bus lanes in the UK. PHVs, unlike public taxis, offer a pre-booked service and are considered private cars. As a result, they can’t use bus lanes to bypass traffic congestion when transporting passengers.
However, there are times when you can sidestep this rule – which we’ll cover in this article.
Navigating the complexities of traffic laws can be a headache for private hire drivers. Luckily we’ll cover everything you need to know – from why you can’t utilise bus lanes to when you can and everything in between.
Why can’t private hire vehicles use bus lanes?
Private hire vehicles cannot access bus lanes for several reasons:
Traffic flow management
Bus lanes are designed to speed up bus journeys and reduce traffic congestion. To achieve this, only certain vehicles are allowed to use them, such as buses, public hire/hackney carriage taxis, motorcycles and cyclists.
Safety
Bus lanes are often located in high pedestrian areas like city centres. Restricting access to these lanes minimises the risk of accidents between pedestrians and unauthorised vehicles.
Bus network prioritisation
Buses play a crucial role in reducing congestion. They offer a more accessible (and sustainable) transport system by carrying multiple passengers from A to B. Since buses adhere to strict timetables, adding PHV drivers to the mix will disrupt bus schedules.
Private hire taxi businesses have increased by 11% since 2022, with the total number of licensed taxis and PHVs in England reaching 289,000+. This would result in significant disruptions to the bus network if these vehicles were permitted to ride in bus lanes.
Environmental factors
Encouraging public transport over private hire vehicles can contribute to the country’s sustainability goals (e.g. Net Zero Strategy and England’s National Bus Strategy). Public transport has a lower carbon footprint compared to other passenger vehicles. Prioritising buses in bus lanes helps make public transport a greener option.
Local authorities determine the rules of who can access bus lanes. While the general rule is that private hire vehicles can’t use a bus lane, there are exceptions in some areas.
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Get QuotesWhen can private hire taxis use bus lanes?
As mentioned, only licensed taxi drivers driving hackney carriage vehicles/black cabs can access bus lanes where “taxi” signage is displayed. However, there are exceptions to the rule for private hire drivers in the following areas:
- London: According to Transport For London (TfL), private hire vehicles and taxis can briefly stop to pick up or drop off customers in bus lanes. However, they can’t stop at designated bus stops, indicated by a wide yellow line (known as ‘bus stop clearways’), or other red route bus stops.
- Reading: Since March 2024, licensed PHV drivers can access both the King’s Road outbound and inbound bus lanes.
- Portsmouth: Licensed private hire taxi drivers can access five designated bus lanes in the city, much like emergency vehicles, pedal cyclists and rental e-scooter drivers.
- Coventry, Nottingham and Northern Ireland: Wheelchair-accessible PHV drivers can access bus lanes.
- Sheffield, Liverpool and Cardiff: Minicabs (another name for private hire taxis) can access this road space.
- Manchester and Birmingham: Permitted vehicles, like licensed PHVs, can access bus lanes during specified hours set by the local council. These time frames are indicated on signs ahead of the lane.
- Edinburgh and Glasgow: Private hire drivers can only use a bus lane with a blue ‘Taxis Permitted’ sign within restricted hours.
What are the penalties for misusing bus lanes in the UK?
The penalties for misusing bus lanes in the UK are as follows:
Standard penalty: £70 (up to £130 in London). Reduced penalty: If the fine is paid within 21 days, it is reduced by 50% (£35). Increased penalty for non-payment: If the penalty charge notice (PCN) is ignored and not disputed within 28 days, the charge increases by 50% (£105).
These penalties are enforced through a system of bus lane cameras that monitor and capture bus lane violations. The registered vehicle owner is then issued a PCN based on this evidence. This is where [having a dash cam] can be an effective way for private hire drivers to dispute a claim – if you’ve been unfairly charged, that is.
To put this into perspective, the BBC announced that the Oxford Road bus gate in Manchester generated more than £10 million in fines from various UK motorists in 2023. This highlights the severe consequences for drivers, including PHV drivers, who enter lanes restricted to buses, black cabs and pedal cycles between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Insurance penalties
To get private hire taxi insurance with lower premiums, you must prove you’re a responsible driver who adheres to the rules of the road. Additionally, telematics insurance, where black box devices monitor how and where you drive, could flag irresponsible driving to your insurer. Driving in bus lanes violates insurance clauses which could cancel your policy.
Most taxi insurance providers won’t pay out damages or compensation should you be involved in an accident while driving where you’re not supposed to. This can be a devastating financial blow to any taxi driver’s business should a third party take you to court.
Our advice? Stay in your lane.
Final thoughts
Understanding the rules, restrictions and regulations around bus lanes is crucial for private hire drivers in the UK. While there are exceptions, set out by local authorities, the general consensus is to avoid bus lanes to ensure traffic flows freely. Failure to do so will result in hefty fines and possibly void your taxi insurance policy.
By adhering to these guidelines, you’re prioritising safety and compliance when behind the wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Uber drivers can drive in London bus lanes to pick up or drop off passengers. However, you can’t stop in ‘bus stop clearways’, indicated by a wide yellow, or red line by the curb.
A few of these no-go areas include eastbound bus stops at Euston Road (in front of Kings Cross Station) and Bishopsgate northbound (between Liverpool Street and Middlesex Street junctions).
Hackney carriage drivers (a.k.a. public hire taxis) pick up hailed passengers from the side of the road, entitling them to bus lanes. Local authorities see these vehicles as a form of public transport because passengers do not book taxi services via an app like Uber or Bolt.