NEW traffic rules allowing taxis to share a Huddersfield bus lane during peak periods are being abused by motorists.
Taxis and private hire cars got the go-ahead yesterday to use the bus lane running along Wakefield Road from Waterloo during the rush hour.
But between 4pm and 4.30pm, the Examiner logged a staggering 10 times more private cars using the lane than legitimate taxis.
Cars are banned from the lane between 4pm and 6.30pm. The restrictions are clearly signposted.
In the half hour, 21 cars used the bus lane past Ravensknowle Park while just two taxis passed by.
Clr David Payne, Cabinet member with responsibility for environment and transport, said the figures were `worrying'.
"It's just buses, Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles, not private vehicles," he reminded users.
"There are obviously teething troubles. The principle of it is to promote all forms of public transport. It has to be respected."
Police will carry out spot checks and impose fixed penalty tickets of £30 on drivers they catch in the bus lane at peak times.
The one-year trial covers the stretch of Wakefield Road from Mountfield Road at Waterloo to King's Mill Lane, Aspley.
If successful, the system could be used across Kirklees. The council wants to see what impact the move has on other road users.
Signs have been changed so motorists know taxis are allowed to use the bus lane.
Related stories and messageboards
