Frequently Asked Question

Why PHVs Can't Use Bus Lanes in London, But Taxis Can

The primary reason PHVs (Private Hire Vehicles) are restricted from using bus lanes in London, while taxis can, is based upon the nature of their operations and the regulations governing them. (See the case of Addison Lee vs TFL below.)

Taxis as Public Service Vehicles

Taxis in London are considered public service vehicles (PSVs). This designation grants them certain privileges, including the use of bus lanes. Taxis are seen as essential for providing public transportation, particularly in areas with limited bus or train services. Allowing them to use bus lanes helps to ensure their efficiency and accessibility.

PHVs as Private Hire Vehicles

PHVs, on the other hand, are not considered public service vehicles. They operate under different regulations and are primarily used for pre-arranged trips. Their primary purpose is to serve individual customers, rather than the general public.

The rationale behind restricting PHV access to bus lanes is to:

• Protect the integrity of bus lanes: Bus lanes are designed to prioritise public transport, ensuring buses can move efficiently and reduce congestion. The allegation is that allowing PHVs to use these lanes could undermine their effectiveness.
• Maintain a level playing field: By limiting PHV access to bus lanes, it helps to prevent them from having an unfair advantage over taxis, which are regulated to serve the public.
• Ensure public safety: Restricting PHV use of bus lanes can help to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, ultimately enhancing road safety for all users.

It's important to note that this restriction applies to most PHVs in London it varies with other local authorities. However, there may be specific circumstances or areas where certain PHVs, such as those with disabled passenger permits, may be allowed to use bus lanes.

In summary, the distinction between taxis and PHVs as public service vehicles and private hire vehicles is the key factor that determines their access to bus lanes in London.

The Addison Lee bus lane access case involved a legal dispute between the minicab company Addison Lee and Transport for London (TfL) over the use of bus lanes in London.

The Dispute

• Restriction on Bus Lane Use: TfL had regulations in place that allowed black cabs to use bus lanes but restricted private hire vehicles (PHVs), such as those operated by Addison Lee, to only enter and leave bus lanes for pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Addison Lee's Claim: Addison Lee argued that this restriction was discriminatory and unfair, claiming that it gave black cabs an unfair competitive advantage.
• TfL's Position: TfL maintained that the distinction between black cabs and PHVs was necessary to maintain traffic flow and ensure the efficiency of public transport.

The Court Cases

The case went through several stages:

1. High Court: The High Court ruled in favour of TfL, upholding the bus lane restrictions.
2. European Court of Justice: Addison Lee appealed to the European Court of Justice, arguing that the restriction violated European competition law. However, the European Court of Justice also ruled in favour of TfL.
3. Court of Appeal: Addison Lee continued to challenge the decision in the Court of Appeal, but the outcome of this appeal is not publicly available information.

Note: The specific details of the Court of Appeal's decision may have changed since the last publicly available information.

In essence, the Addison Lee case was a legal battle over the use of bus lanes in London, with TfL successfully defending its policy of restricting bus lane access to black cabs (Taxi).