London taxi trade receives early ‘Christmas present’ with access to three new bus lanes

In a welcome move for the city's taxi drivers, the London taxi trade has received confirmation of access to three key new bus lanes.

Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA), shared the news and highlighted the significant impact this decision will have on the trade. He revealed that the new bus lanes include the Pentonville Road contraflow bus lane, Shorter Street at Tower Hill, and the bus lanes in and around the O2.

These additions will not only save taxi drivers and passengers time but also streamline their routes, particularly for those coming from the Angel area who would no longer need to navigate the congested Kings Cross one-way system.

While specific dates for implementation are yet to be confirmed, McNamara acknowledged the administrative steps required to effect these changes. These include issuing traffic orders, re-phasing traffic lights, and various other logistical considerations. Nevertheless, the general expectation is that these new bus lanes will be operational early in the New Year.

Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), said: ”They (Transport for London) have made the initial decision to allow us to use the Pentonville Road contraflow bus lane, which will save going around the Kings Cross one way system coming from the Angel, as well as Shorter Street at Tower Hill and the bus lanes in and around the O2.

“I have yet to get a date when these changes will be implemented. They need to do the traffic orders, re-phase traffic lights etc. but hopefully they should be up and running early in the New Year. I think telling me now was their idea of a sort of Christmas present to the trade, albeit one we cannot open till 2024 . There is a lot more we need, but we will keep up the fight for more!”