Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 5

Written Answers. - Traffic Regulations.

Noel Ahern

Question:

133 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, with regard to previous correspondence, parliamentary questions and freedom of information requests on the possible use of bus lanes by motorcycles, he will report on the progress in this regard; if he will give details of the more recent UK studies referred to by the Minister of State in a Dáil debate on 26 October 2000; when the pilot tests will be carried out here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4360/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

The primary purpose of bus lanes and quality bus corridors is to facilitate mass transport in urban areas. Accordingly, access to bus lanes has been restricted to omnibuses, large public service vehicles and, in relation to with flow bus lanes only, taxis and pedal cycles.

As indicated in my response to a Dáil Adjournment Motion on 26 October 2000, it is understood from the UK Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, that several pilot schemes-studies regarding the use of bus lanes by motor cycles have been conducted in the United Kingdom, including studies by local authorities in Bristol and Reading. The experience of these schemes-studies has not yet resulted in any alteration of the general position in the UK whereby motorcycles are not permitted to use bus lanes.

Arrangements for considering the feasibility of pilot tests in this country, to which I referred in the October 2000 debate, are being addressed in consultation with the Dublin Transportation Office and other relevant bodies.