Bernard J. Durkan
Question:163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason hackney cabs may not be driven in bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24788/01]
Written Answers. - Bus Lanes.
The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. Accordingly, the relevant regulations which provide the statutory basis for the use of bus lanes generally limit their use to buses and, in the case of with flow bus lanes, to cyclists. Having regard to the role of taxis in providing on-street immediate hire services, an exemption to that limitation is allowed in respect of taxis using with flow bus lanes. Taxis are allowed to utilise that exemption only in the course of business. Following representations from parties representing hackney interests and other private hire operators, my Department undertook to review the regulations in question in consultation with an Garda Síochána, the Dublin Transportation Office and Dublin Corporation. This review will be completed shortly.