TRANSPORT chiefs last night announced an 11th-hour compromise that would allow taxi drivers in Darlington to use bus lanes.

But the move could set the borough council on a collision course with the police and bus companies, which fear passengers' safety could be put at risk.

Cabbies had called for the right to use the lanes as part of a shake-up of traffic systems in the council's £6.5m Pedestrian Heart project.

The issue has been one of several that have seen drivers and the local authority clash in recent months.

But last night, new proposals allowing taxis to use two key bus lanes were revealed.

The plans - for cabbies to use the Coniscliffe Road and Stonebridge/St Cuthbert's Way lanes - will go before the council's cabinet tonight, along with a revamp of hackney carriage stand locations.

Taxis would also be given access to Northgate from the Northgate/inner ring road roundabout.

They would also be permitted to drop passengers off in the loading bay on Crown Street.

Cabinet members are expected to approve a road safety audit into the changes tonight.

Once that study is completed, an experimental traffic regulation order would be made, allowing the developments to go ahead.

Objections received during the first six months would be considered by the cabinet.

However, a report to the cabinet from development director John Buxton sounds a note of caution.

It warns that there could be safety concerns surrounding taxis leaving the new St Cuthbert's Way bus lane.

Mr Buxton added: "Bus operators strongly oppose the proposals, particularly on Northgate, as being detrimental to efficient bus operations and potentially to passenger safety.

"The proposal could make relationships with bus operators more difficult generally.

"Whilst the police will consider any proposal put before them, it is almost certain that they would object as it is the view of the chief constable that bus lanes are for buses only."

However, cabinet member for highways Nick Wallis said: "We have listened very carefully to the concerns and suggestions of the taxi operators and we are pleased that we have been able to find a way forward. The road safety concerns outside the town centre are not as significant outside the ring road and we will monitor the progress of this trial period carefully."