A Wolverhampton-licensed Uber driver living in Liverpool has spoken out after receiving a fine for driving through the Ranelagh Street bus gate – despite believing private hire vehicles were permitted.
According to Liverpool City Council’s online guidance, the restriction on Ranelagh Street heading towards Hanover Street operates between 7am and midnight, seven days a week, allowing access only for buses, hackney taxis, and private hire vehicles. Outside these hours – from midnight to 7am – the gate is open to all traffic.
However, the driver told DM News he was shocked to receive a penalty charge notice.
“I had my Wolverhampton private hire rear plate on, my Uber magnets on the doors, and I was working at the time. I contacted the council, but they told me the bus gate is only for buses and hackney taxis – not private hire cars. It’s confusing and unfair when their own information online says otherwise,” he explained. I am going to submit an appeal and hopefully it gets overturned.
The driver warned that fellow Uber and private hire operators could be caught out, as enforcement appears to have recently stepped up.
Public Risk of Fines
The situation doesn’t just affect professional drivers. Members of the public using the route have also reported fines, suggesting the council may now be enforcing the restriction more strictly.
This means that anyone driving towards Hanover Street via Ranelagh Street risks a penalty, unless they are operating a bus or licensed hackney carriage.
Drivers Urged to Take Care
The driver who contacted DM News said he wanted to raise awareness for both the trade and the wider public:
“I thought I was in the right, but I’ve been fined. People need to know – if you go through the Hanover Street bus gate, even as a private hire driver, you could get hit with a penalty.”
With increasing complaints, questions are being raised about the clarity of Liverpool City Council’s signage and online guidance. For now, private hire drivers – including Uber operators – are being urged to avoid the bus gate altogether to avoid costly mistakes.
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