TAXI drivers in Bournemouth have won a battle with the council to be allowed to drop off and pick up fares at bus stops without being fined.
United Taxis fought for the exemption after the council’s camera car snapped drivers pulling up in bus stops.
Derek Heritage said drivers try and avoid dropping people off on bus stops but sometimes it is the only option – especially for disabled, elderly and partially sighted customers.
Mr Heritage appealed to the council to take a “common sense approach. The council have agreed that a taxi can park at bus stops providing it is reasonable for them to set down customers. We would like to thank the council for allowing us to be involved in the consultation.”
Taxis will still face fines for parking on zig zags outside schools although a number of sites are in discussions with drivers to arrange appropriate places to stop.
If caught motorists face a £70 fine, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.
Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We have worked in partnership with representatives of the taxi trade to come to an initial set of agreements regarding the setting down and picking up of passengers in bus stops and disabled bays. We will be continuing our discussions with the taxi trade to create a formal quality taxi partnership, effectively producing a Code of Conduct that will be binding on both parties.”
