Calls to allow private hire vehicles to use bus lanes in Walsall is backed by council chiefs

Walsall Council will consult with the West Midlands Enhanced Bus Partnership about a change in rules which would give private hire vehicles the same rights as hackney carriages.

At a full council meeting last month, councillors from all sides of the chamber strongly debated the issue and said the amendment would help cut congestion, enhance services and reduce pollution.

And the authority’s cabinet unanimously agreed to engage with the partnership on whether it is likely to be agreed before moving ahead to a formal application.

In a statement at Wednesday’s meeting, Birchills Leamore ward councillor Amo Hussain said: “There is a strength of feeling this would assist them in securing more passengers as they are constantly held up in traffic jams, much of which has been created by Transport for West Midlands in securing free movement for buses but to the detriment of all other road users.

“This is evident at the Town Hill, Ablewell Street and Upper Rushall Street area where the new traffic arrangements are creating traffic build up and many of the changes of traffic lights before cars and private hire vehicles can access this arterial route.

“I know Wolverhampton allow private hire vehicles to use bus lanes and this was before the enhanced partnership arrangements were put in place.

“I trust the cabinet will agree to consult with the relevant partners to secure this change.”

Deputy leader Adrian Andrew said: “I think it’s fair to say it was a controversial issue.

“If we can get the approval of the enhanced partnership which we need to consult with than I think it would be a sensible move to allow this to happen..

“This administration would like to see this but we are bound by another organisation that we will go and consult with and see what they have to say.”