Posted on the 9th October 2025 in PHTM News

CALL FOR TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE ACCESS TO BUS LANES IN ROTHERHAM

A petition launched by Cllr Simon Ball is calling for taxis and private hire vehicles to be allowed to use bus lanes in Rotherham, a request that will go before the council.

Cllr Ball believes this change would align Rotherham with other towns in the region and represents “best practice.”

The request would require changing local traffic regulations to permit both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles in designated bus lanes.

A motion to go to the council states: “Rotherham should not lag behind its South Yorkshire neighbours in supporting vital public transport services.

“A review of policies in nearby councils reveals a clear trend towards inclusion: Sheffield City Council permits taxis to use bus lanes and gates, recognising them as essential public transport alongside buses, cycles and authorised vehicles.

“Doncaster Council explicitly allows ‘permitted taxis’ to use bus lanes where indicated by signage, alongside buses and cycles, during restricted hours.

“This exemption is enforced to ensure compliance while prioritising mobility for taxi users.

“Barnsley Council, by contrast, restricts bus lanes to buses and occasionally cyclists, with no provision for this despite long-standing requests from the local trade dating back to at least 2013.

“This outdated approach highlights an opportunity for Rotherham to lead regionally by adopting a more progressive stance."

Cllr Ball argues that permitting licensed taxis into bus lanes would deliver “tangible advantages for Rotherham’s residents, economy and environment.” 

These advantages include “faster and more reliable journeys; taxis could bypass congestion, shortening travel times during peak hours, crucial for commuters, shift workers and those attending medical appointments.”

He asserts that if the change were made, it would “align Rotherham with best practices in sustainable and efficient urban mobility, benefiting our community without compromising the priority given to buses.” 

Cllr Ball will ask the council to conduct a public consultation on the idea within three months.


Read another story