Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers continue fight to use Watford bus lanes


Taxi drivers in Watford have accused Hertfordshire County Council of not listening to them in an ongoing dispute over the use of the town's bus lanes. Members of the Watford Hackney Carriage Drivers’ Association are seeking permission to use bus lanes at peak junctions in the town, arguing the grid-locked traffic is driving customers away.

In October 2010, with the backing of Watford Borough Council, the drivers submitted a request to the county authority, which controls the road network. However, five months on, many drivers are angry nothing has changed.

Association chairman Shafiq Ahmed said: "Five months ago they said they would come back to us but there has been no progress. Ironically, if we drive into London, we can use the bus lanes there, but not in our own town. "It is damaging our business - people do not want to pay to sit in traffic. We provide a service just like the buses, yet the council doesn't listen to us. What are they playing at?"

The drivers requested permission to use bus lanes located in Lower High Street and outside Watford Junction train station, in Station Road. Hertfordshire County Council claims it responded to the taxi drivers' association when it received the request last year.

A spokesperson said: "We invited them to notify us of their ideas through our consultation on our Local Transport Plan 3. This consultation closed in December 2010 and we did not receive any feedback requesting a change to our bus lane policy in relation to taxis."

Mr Ahmed claims traffic is meaning fares regularly top £6 from Watford Junction, before drivers have fought their way out of the station forecourt. Meanwhile, a lack of access to The Harlequin from Lower High Street means taxis are forced to circumnavigate the ring road, adding to the passengers' fares.

He added: "I heard nothing about a consultation - I am ready to speak any time, but they have not contacted me."

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IDFIMH

I go to Watford on quite a few occasions, and I can't say I've noticed any Bus Lanes?

They would be handy for a quick exit though.

Do you go that far north mate??

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Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Believe me, don't get Mercury X2

After midnight I do, thats half way home for me