Plymouth Taxis: The Woolwell Turning Debate

Plymouth is a city on the move, quite literally, with significant infrastructure projects aimed at improving its transport network. One such ambitious undertaking is the ongoing £45 million Woolwell to The George junction improvement scheme, part of a wider upgrade to the A386 Tavistock Road. While these works promise long-term benefits, they have, inevitably, led to temporary disruptions and, in one particular instance, sparked a heated debate regarding fairness and accessibility for public transport users. At the heart of this controversy lies the Woolwell roundabout, where a specific right-turn restriction has become a point of contention for taxi drivers, passengers, and local councillors alike.

During these extensive roadworks, a temporary ban has been imposed on right turns from the A386 Tavistock Road into Woolwell Road at the Woolwell roundabout. This restriction applies to almost all traffic, with a crucial exception: buses and emergency vehicles are still permitted to make this turn. This seemingly minor detail has profound implications for Plymouth's taxi services and their passengers. While buses can continue on their direct route, taxis are forced to embark on a lengthy diversion up and around the Belliver Roundabout, close to the Plessey Semiconductors factory. This detour is not merely an inconvenience; it translates directly into increased journey times and, more importantly, higher fares for passengers.

The rationale behind this policy, as explained by Plymouth City Council, centres on maintaining optimal traffic flow. With the southbound traffic on Tavistock Road reduced to a single lane during the construction, the council asserts that allowing a right turn for general traffic would interrupt this flow. They argue it would necessitate vehicles having to give way at the roundabout, thereby reducing the efficiency of the measure and causing significant tailbacks that could stretch towards Belliver Roundabout and even across Dartmoor. The council maintains that the exemption for the very small number of buses serving Woolwell is solely to help them adhere to their published timetables, and that extending this exemption to taxis, motorcycles, and cycles would undermine the primary objective of keeping southbound traffic moving freely.

However, this explanation has not appeased opposition Tory councillors, who have vociferously challenged the arrangement, branding it 'unbelievable' and deeply unfair. Their primary concern revolves around the financial burden being placed on taxi passengers. Councillor Andy Lugger, the Tory leader who represents the Southway ward, has been a leading voice in this protest. He highlighted what he considers a fundamental principle of highway rules in most towns and cities across the UK: the general permission for taxis and cyclists to utilise bus lanes. The prohibition at Woolwell, in his view, is a stark and inexplicable departure from this widely accepted norm.

Councillor Lugger has expressed deep frustration that his concerns, raised months ago, have 'fallen on deaf ears.' He articulates the direct impact on his constituents and those in neighbouring wards, who are now forced to pay an increased fare simply to reach destinations like the Tesco Superstore. He recounted a conversation with a taxi driver who estimated the additional fare could run to as much as £5. For many, particularly those on fixed incomes or facing mobility challenges, an extra £5 per journey represents a significant and unjustifiable cost. Councillor Lugger passionately argues that if taxis were simply granted the same access as 'fellow public transport vehicles' like buses, this 'injustice' would cease to exist.

Echoing these sentiments, Councillor Lee Finn, who represents the Budshead ward, reinforced the argument for consistency. He stated emphatically that taxi drivers should be able to follow buses, just as they do in bus lanes across the rest of Plymouth. The current situation, where taxis are 'on a loop,' creates an 'extra cost to members of the public' that can be 'quite big' depending on traffic conditions. Councillor Finn stressed that this policy is 'at odds with the rest of Plymouth,' where the rule of thumb is 'where buses can go, taxis can go.' He called for 'common sense' to prevail, suggesting the same rule should apply universally. Furthermore, he warned that the current restrictions are 'putting taxis off going out there,' thereby reducing the ability of residents to access the Woolwell area due to delays and the difficulty for drivers to charge a reasonable fee. Councillor Finn particularly highlighted the essential role of taxis as a form of public transport, providing crucial services for 'the disabled, elderly and those with mobility issues,' and questioned why a policy designed to encourage public transport would simultaneously hinder such a vital service.

The debate effectively pits the council's focus on macro-level traffic management during a major construction project against the councillors' advocacy for micro-level fairness, accessibility, and the consistent treatment of different forms of public transport. The council's position prioritises the unimpeded movement of a high volume of southbound traffic along a critical arterial route, arguing that even a small increase in interruptions could have cascading negative effects on congestion. They see the bus exemption as a very specific, limited allowance to maintain published timetables, distinct from a general opening of the turning to all public hire vehicles.

Conversely, the opposition councillors view taxis as an integral part of the public transport network, serving a diverse range of passengers, including those who rely on them due to age, disability, or lack of personal vehicles. For them, the principle of equitable access and avoiding undue financial burden on the public outweighs the perceived marginal benefit to overall traffic flow that comes from excluding taxis. They argue that if buses, which are large vehicles, can safely make the turn without causing significant disruption, then smaller taxis should also be able to do so without compromising the scheme's objectives.

The Woolwell to The George scheme itself is a monumental undertaking, having been years in the pipeline. Its overarching goal is to alleviate one of Plymouth’s most notorious bottleneck areas and forge improved transport links to and from the rapidly expanding north of the city. This growth includes plans for approximately 4,400 new homes in the northern sector, with 2,000 specifically designated for the Woolwell Urban Extension. Coupled with other developments, such as a new district shopping centre in Derriford, a substantial increase in traffic along this route is anticipated, making the current improvements critical for future capacity. The total cost of the scheme is £45 million, with a significant £24.9 million contributed by government funding.

Past complaints from Woolwell residents about gridlock at the A386 roadworks, and Tory MP Rebecca Smith's acknowledgement of a 'public outcry' about traffic crawling at 'a snail’s pace,' underscore the deep-seated traffic issues that the scheme aims to resolve. While a new left turn from Tavistock Road into Woolwell Crescent recently opened ahead of schedule, offering some relief for inbound traffic wishing to access Woolwell without navigating the roundabout, it doesn't address the core issue of the restricted right turn for taxis on the main A386.

The ongoing debate highlights the complex challenges inherent in balancing large-scale infrastructure development with the day-to-day needs and financial realities of the local populace. While the council focuses on the macro benefits of improved traffic flow and the long-term vision for Plymouth's transport future, the councillors are bringing attention to the immediate, tangible impact on individual citizens and the principles of fair public service during times of disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Woolwell Turning Restriction

Why can't taxis use the Woolwell turning like buses?

Plymouth City Council states that the right turn from Tavistock Road into Woolwell Road is temporarily banned for most traffic, including taxis, to ensure that southbound traffic, which is reduced to one lane, can flow more freely. They argue that allowing taxis and other vehicles would increase interruptions to this flow, reducing the benefit of the measure and causing longer queues.

How much extra does this cost taxi passengers?

According to councillors, the additional fare for passengers due to the mandatory diversion around Belliver Roundabout can run to as much as £5, depending on traffic conditions and the specific journey.

What is the alternative route for taxis?

Instead of turning right at Woolwell roundabout, taxis are currently required to take a longer route, travelling up and around the Belliver Roundabout, near the Plessey Semiconductors factory, before being able to head towards Woolwell.

Is this policy consistent with other areas in Plymouth?

According to opposition councillors, no. They argue that in nearly all other parts of Plymouth, taxis are permitted to use bus lanes and follow the same routes as buses, making the Woolwell restriction 'at odds' with the city's general policy for public transport.

When will the restriction be lifted?

The restriction is temporary and is in place for the duration of the Woolwell to The George junction improvement scheme. The full scheme is a multi-year project, and this particular restriction is likely to remain until the relevant phase of the roadworks is completed and the traffic management system can be fully reinstated or permanently altered.

Who benefits from this restriction?

According to Plymouth City Council, the primary beneficiary is the overall flow of southbound traffic on the A386 Tavistock Road, which is crucial for managing congestion during the extensive roadworks.

Who is negatively impacted by this policy?

The main groups negatively impacted are taxi passengers, who face increased fares and longer journey times, and taxi drivers, who may find the area less appealing to serve due to the extended routes and potential for reduced efficiency.

As Plymouth continues its journey of development and infrastructure improvement, the debate surrounding the Woolwell turning serves as a reminder of the intricate balance required between ambitious urban planning and the everyday realities of its citizens. The call for consistency, fairness, and affordable access to public transport for all, especially during periods of significant disruption, remains a central theme in this ongoing discussion. It is hoped that a resolution can be found that not only facilitates the successful completion of vital roadworks but also upholds the principles of accessible and equitable transport for all of Plymouth's residents.

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