More readers than the rest put together! 22 SEPTEMBER 2015 | <strong>TAXI</strong> 21 NEWS “Councils deliberately trap drivers” Roads Councils are “entrapping” motorists with poor signage and road markings, the AA has claimed, as bus lane fines overtake PCNS for the first time. The motoring organisation has called for the government to step in to stop authorities from raking in millions with deliberately unclear road signs. A junction in Lambeth generated The £6 million Lambeth cash cow the highest number of fines worth more than £6m, the AA claimed. The cash-cow camera covers a 70-metre bus lane on Clapham Park Road. But the Local Government Association claims councils are already governed by clear guidelines and drivers could appeal. Motorists unwittingly cutting into a bus lane early for safety reasons, when attempting to turn left, was the biggest complaint. The AA said being drivers being fined for pulling over to allow emergency vehicles to pass was another major gripe. Edmund King, AA president, said: "Whilst we support the use of bus lanes in the right places, functioning at the right times, we are totally opposed to 'entrapment' cameras on poorly designed or poorly signed bus lane junctions. "If thousands of drivers are getting tickets at the same junction then something is wrong and that junction or bus lane should be reviewed. "We fear that too many local highway authorities have become addicted to the lucrative income from these rat traps." The organisation wants an official investigation to be undertaken when fines from one bus lane exceed £10,000. A spokesman for the LGA said: "Councils enforce the law to ensure bus services run smoothly. Motorists have a right to appeal if they feel they have been unfairly fined. However, just 0.5% of bus lane fines are appealed." The number of tickets given out for bus lane infringements across the country jumped to more than one million last year - up from 321,999 five years ago. News in brief <strong>TAXI</strong> comp Winners We were inundated with entries to the competitions to win copies of the board game, <strong>TAXI</strong>, and the trade history book, Where to Guv? But sadly there can only be four winners. Paul Branch, of South London, and Robert Swann, of West Sussex, both answered correctly, as many people did, that Tony Hadley was the passenger in the back of the cab. Their names were first out of the hat and each won a copy of the <strong>TAXI</strong> board game. David Collins, of Woodford Green, and Phillip Bowman, of Barnet, have each won a free copy of Where to Guv? The prizes will be despatched soon, but don’t despair if you didn’t win, there will be more competitions soon. HALVEY ENGINEERING ECO-<strong>TAXI</strong>S CABS TO RENT GOOD RATES BRAND NEW TXII ENGINES Why pay £1,700 for rockers and chain when you can have a brand new out-of-the-crate genuine Ford engine for £2,600 fitted. Recon TXII engines supplied and fitted £1,700 All prices subject to VAT 0208-312-2224 WOOLWICH AREA Also TX4 engine reconditioned 1yr warranty for £2,300
22 <strong>TAXI</strong> |22 SEPTEMBER 2015 www.ltda.co.uk | @TheLTDA
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