Vol. 544 No. 3
356 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received an application from hackney drivers in the Dublin area for permission to use bus lanes; if he is in a position to meet this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28913/01]
366 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the use of bus lanes and quality bus corridors by hackney drivers; the legislation which would need to be changed to allow such usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28681/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 366 together.
The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus-based public transport. The relevant regulations which provide the statutory basis for the use of bus lanes are the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997 and 1998. These regulations generally limit the use of bus lanes 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.
