Vol. 510 No. 6
47 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has considered allowing public utility companies the right to use bus lanes in an effort to enhance their service to the public and to reduce delays and waiting times for customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18680/99]
The primary purpose of bus lanes and quality bus corridors is to support the improved operation of public transport services and thereby to benefit road traffic conditions generally. Accordingly full access to these facilities is at present limited to buses, with taxis and pedal cycles being permitted access to "with flow" bus lanes.
Current regulations also provide for the non-application of bus lane restrictions to certain vehicles, including Garda, ambulance and fire service vehicles and vehicles used in connection with roadworks or other operations designed to assist traffic management. It would not be practicable to provide a wider exemption of this kind for public utility vehicles more generally.
