CITY cabbies have rejected strike plans in favour of legal action in a bid to overturn a ban on them using bus lanes.

Hackney cab drivers were considering striking as a last resort to open up bus-only routes to taxis, which they say provide a public transport service.

But the association's Mal Spence says it was agreed the public could suffer.

The legal action could cost up to £15,000, but he says: "That's how strongly we feel about it."

A council spokesman says it has been agreed some lanes should be opened up for taxis, but others should remain for buses only for safety reasons.