Basildon taxi drivers today welcomed talks aimed at letting them use bus lanes in Basildon to avoid a hike in fares for passengers.
Last week the Hackney Carriage Association revealed that a diversion caused by work on the Five Links estate would cost passengers around £1.50 extra for each journey.
Taxi drivers could prevent the increase by using a bus lane in Laindon Link, but have been forbidden.
However, Basildon Council has now agreed to meet taxi drivers to see if it can help. It may be able to issue a temporary traffic order to allow taxis to use the bus lane while work is taking place.
David Dadds, chairman of the licensing committee, said: "There should be no reason they shouldn't use the bus lanes. Taxis offer a public service. If they get their journey done quickly it frees up the taxi for other users."
Published Tuesday August 17, 2004
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