Ref. 28011/2TAXI drivers fear they could be banned from using bus gates planned for the centre of Trowbridge under changes to the town's road network.

Two bus-only routes were unveiled as part of early blueprints for changes to the road system around the former Ushers brewery plant.

Taxi drivers and operators are worried the bus gates could increase their journey times and ruin business if they are not allowed through.

A controversial bus gate scheme in Bath allows both taxis and buses through the centre of the city if they are fitted with an electronic transponder to control traffic lights.

Trowbridge town councillor and taxi driver John Knight said he could see no reason why taxis should be banned from using the bus gates in Manvers Street and Back Street, if they are given the go-ahead.

"We distinctly get the feeling taxi drivers are not part of this project or the integrated transport system in the town as a whole," he said.

"There are a lot of people in fairly high places that think of taxis as a luxury. They are in fact an essential part of the traffic network.

"It would be no good coming to Trowbridge train station, if you couldn't get a taxi to the surrounding business parks.

"As for a transponder system, what would happen if the taxi were from outside the area? Would they be stopped from using the bus gate?"

Bus gates are one of a series of changes outlined for the road network around Ushers, with the one-way system potentially converting into two-way. Cycle lanes and pedestrian access points will be given greater priority.

Wiltshire County Council has been consulting on the changes since last year, with contractors Mouchel Parkman ready to draw up final plans.

A county council spokesman said: "A decision on the budget for the project for the next financial year will be taken by the regulatory committee at the end of March. Following this decision we will decide which of the elements can be implemented next year and which in subsequent years. This decision will also have to take into account progress on the development of the old Ushers site."

District councillors called on consultants to consider giving taxis access through planned bus gates at last week's cabinet meeting.