Driving Change: How Portsmouth's Bus Lane Trial Could Transform UK Transport

Portsmouth City Council has recently trialled allowing Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) to use bus lanes. This initiative marks a significant shift in UK transport policy, as bus lanes are traditionally reserved for taxis, buses and cyclists. This trial, deemed a success by the council, could potentially pave the way for change across the UK.  

The trial, conducted for 14 months, aimed to evaluate the impact of such a policy on traffic flow, road safety, and the efficiency of PHVs operations. By integrating PHVs into bus lanes, Portsmouth City Council sought to streamline urban transportation, reduce congestion, and offer a faster, more reliable service to passengers. 

And the results seem to confirm just that.  

Commenting on the trial, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: 

“Private hire vehicles provide essential transport in the city especially for those travelling in groups or for those that can’t catch the bus, walk or cycle. Developing and improving the reliability of public transport is essential for our residents and businesses in Portsmouth whilst also ensuring the safety of road users when making changes in the city. I look forward to considering the recommendations.” 

PHVs using bus lanes isn’t exactly new, there are several UK cities where they can use them. This is the case in Cardiff, Coventry, Glasgow, Liverpool, Nottingham and Sheffield, in certain circumstances. But it is a divisive issue. The reaction to Portsmouth's trial and the idea of PHVs using bus lanes more broadly has been mixed. 

Many people believe it makes sense for all PHVs to be allowed to use bus lanes. In an interview with Private Hire Times Monthly, Dave Lawrie, Director at National Taxi And Private Hire Association (NTPHA) said: 

“The short answer is, yes they should. The reason for this is simply because, once the passenger has been picked up and is en route to their destination, the role is identical; transporting the public along the shortest possible route.” 

The main source of opposition to PHVs using bus lanes appears to be cabbies in London; which is understandable. In the capital, there are 6 times as many licensed PHVs as there are taxis. As one driver said to TaxiPoint: 

“I can't comment on bus lanes outside London, but definitely NOT in London. Private Hire now have 6 times more vehicles than licensed taxis. Just imagine they used bus lanes… might as well remove them! 

“They are there for a reason, so the general public can alight in safety to and from a bus, as well as hailing a licensed taxi.” 

Some taxi drivers also expressed concerns over the blurring lines between taxis and PHVs, fearing that such policies might undermine the distinct status and privileges taxis have traditionally enjoyed.  

Portsmouth City Council haven’t implemented the change permanently, but they are working on a series of recommendations to put out to consultation. In general, feedback has been largely positive from all stakeholders (except cyclists) and it seems highly likely that it will be implemented permanently at some point over the next 18 months.