Nora Owen
Question:294 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his proposals to allow chauffeur driven cars use the quality bus corridors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30611/01]
Written Answers. - Quality Bus Corridors.
The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. Existing 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 limousine interests and other private hire operators, my Department undertook to review the relevant regulations in consultation with an Garda Síochána, the Dublin Transportation Office and Dublin Corporation. This review has now been completed and, having considered the various views expressed to me by all parties, I have decided that there should be no change in the existing bus lane access provisions at this time.