THE North-East’s biggest council is risking the wrath of two of the region’s largest bus companies by opening up its bus lanes to taxis.

There were just two objectors to Durham County Council’s plans to allow cabbies, bikers and cyclists onto 11 of its 12 bus lanes across the county: transport giants Arriva and Go North East.

The major bus operators objected on eight grounds, saying cabbies would drive in the wrong direction, break the speed limit and park and U-turn in bus lanes.

However, the council’s highways committee today (Wednesday, March 12) overwhelmingly backed the proposals – with no-one voting against and just one abstention.

Councillor Mark Wilkes pointed out there had been no objections from other bus companies or cyclists – only from two “multi-million pound companies”; and said he could see no reason not to make the changes.

However, the committee did order the shake-up be reviewed after four months and officials to write to cabbies detailing the changes.

County Durham has 12 bus lanes: 11 around Durham City and one in Chester-le-Street.

They operate at different times and while some are open to buses only, others take buses and bikes and still others can be used by buses, bikes and motorbikes.

Eleven of the 12 will become “no car lanes” from 7am to 7pm seven days a week, with only a recently introduced lane in Croxdale exempt.

In response to Arriva and Go North East’s objections, Dave Wafer, the council’s strategic traffic manager, said he could see no reason taxi drivers would drive in the wrong direction as none of the bus lanes are contraflows, nor park in the bus lanes as most are not within residential areas or areas likely to generate fares, and cabbies would be expected to stick to speed limits.

The lanes involved are: A167 Foster Terrace, Croxdale; A167 north of Sniperley roundabout; A167 in Pity Me; A181 Gilesgate Bank; A690 at Stonebridge; A690 between Belmont Interchange and Gilesgate roundabout; A690/C13 Interchange; A690/A691 Millburngate junction and unclassified Millburngate; B6532 Dryburn Road; C12 High Carr Road; and C184 Newcastle Road, Chester-le-Street.

Coun David Hall suggested Gilesgate Bank be exempted but withdrew his amendment after officers agreed to review the scheme after four months.