Use of bus gates and bus lanes by taxis and private hire vehicles

Bus gates and bus lanes are designed to:

• keep bus journeys running reliably
• reduce overall traffic congestion
• support our wider transport objectives.

Who can drive in bus gates and bus lanes

Only certain vehicles are allowed to use them. This includes:

• buses
• hackney carriages (also known as black cab or black taxi)
• motorcycles
• cyclists.

Private hire vehicles (PHVs) cannot use bus lanes or bus gates in Kent. They are classed as private vehicles and are not part of the public transport system. Allowing them into priority lanes would slow down buses and increase congestion.

Difference between hackney carriage taxis and private hire vehicles

Hackney carriages:

• are licensed taxis
• can be hailed on the street
• can use taxi ranks
• use a meter for fares
• operate anywhere within the licensing area
• must have both driver and vehicle licences issued by your local council.

Private hire vehicles:

• must be pre‑booked through a licensed operator
• cannot be hailed in the street
• cannot pick up passengers without a booking, this is illegal
• must have the vehicle, driver and operator licensed by the same local council.

Penalties for misuse of bus gates and bus lanes

Drivers using a bus gate or bus lane when not permitted may receive:

• a £70 penalty
• a reduced penalty of £35 if paid within 21 days
• an increased penalty of £105 if unpaid after 28 days.

Further guidance is available in the Department for Transport’s best practice licensing guidance.