Addison Lee drivers warned not to drive in London's bus lanes or face criminal prosecution

Private hire vehicle drivers could be liable to personal criminal prosecution if they break traffic regulations, including by driving in bus lanes.

Drivers who repeatedly break traffic regulations could lose their PHV drivers' licences

Private Hire Vehicles are not allowed to use bus lanes in the capital and doing so is a criminal offence.

Police resources will be on street tomorrow morning to ensure bus lanes are only used by those vehicles permitted to do so.

Transport for London today warned drivers employed by Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) company, Addison Lee, that they could face criminal prosecution if they drive in bus lanes; and that they could have their licences revoked if they do so repeatedly.

The warning comes after the management of Addison Lee told their drivers that they were entitled to drive in bus lanes. Addison Lee has offered to indemnify their drivers against any penalties for driving in bus lanes. TfL has reminded drivers that such action is a criminal offence and they may be personally liable to prosecution, irrespective of any indemnity that Addison Lee may purport to give.

TfL are urgently considering legal and regulatory action against Addison Lee.

A company owned by Addison Lee has brought legal proceedings arguing that the current regulations are in breach of European Union law. TfL is contesting these proceedings, which have not been determined and there has been no order by the court suspending the regulations. The legal process is continuing.

TFL