Some taxis could be banned from bus lanes in Southampton

Taxis and private hire vehicles not licensed by Southampton City Council could not be allowed to use the bus lanes and bus gates they currently use across the city.

The city council, which is now considering the move, defended the plans.

But some taxi bosses said the proposal is “unfair”.

Jaleel Iqbal, owner of Winchester Taxi Co, fear the new plans would make him lose customers.

He added: “ It is unfair because if there is a taxi lane all taxis should be able to use it. It just doesn’t make sense and especially for a city like Southampton which is trying to cut pollution.”

Simon May, Radio Taxis’ chief executive, added: “This would cause more vehicles in the normal traffic flow, causing more traffic and more pollution . Passengers use transport such as taxis because they are unable to catch a bus due to mobility issues. ”

Guner Pinarbasi, manager at the Ashurst-based New Forest Taxis, said the move will increase the cost of a journey.

But Perry McMillan, chairman of the Southampton cab section of Unite, said Southampton drivers are very much in favour of the move. He added: “They think this is a good way to be competitive. I understand that some may not be happy. I speak on behalf of my members who are in Southampton but I totally get that it is going to be unpopular. ”

He said there are other cities, including Portsmouth, where similar policies are in place. Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said he fears the measure would worsen air quality in the city. Opposition leader Councillor Dan Fitzhenry added: “They[ the council] need to be very clear on the positive and negative and ensure they have thought it properly before they proceed.”

The city council said a decision will be made in the coming months. In a statement the authority added: “The proposal was suggested as an opportunity to support Southampton licensed taxis who are being asked to operate the cleanest engine standards. These changes were originally proposed as part of our plan to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide as an alternative to a charging Clean Air Zone. We accept that the changes we are making are not always consistent with other licensing authorities and we want to ensure this does not disadvantage city businesses. Exclusive use of our bus lanes was suggested as an opportunity to do this.”