WHY should taxis be allowed to use bus lanes? They are merely a car carrying individuals.

Why do taxi drivers believe they are public transport and part of the transport system? They are private transport for the public. Once hired, no-one else can use the taxi and therefore they are private.

If they were to pick up more fares as they went along, they would be public transport. But no, once they have been hired, they are closed to any other member of the public.

Taxis are used by individuals, just like my own car. They are not even environmentally friendly because they travel empty to pick their fare up, travel to their destination and then return empty again - two empty journeys.

My car travels every day with at least four people in. It then stays at its point of arrival and returns with four people in. On this basis, it is more efficient than a taxi and, therefore, begs the question can I use bus lanes?

Taxis also seem to want to use bus routes and bus lanes in quieter hours. I travel at all different times of the day and night. Can I use bus routes and bus lanes too? I have to get from A to B just the same as the person who has hired a taxi.

R. Conway, Lancaster.