Willie Penrose
Question:57 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allow bus lanes on the hard shoulders of motorways; the precise time scale proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20432/04]
View answerWednesday, 7 July 2004
Questions (71)
Written answers
I am anxious to ensure that as many practical measures as possible are taken to improve the movement of buses on the road network and thereby reduce journey times and congestion. In that regard, my Department is engaged in discussions with Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Dublin Transportation Office, the quality bus network project office and the National Roads Authority regarding the use of the hard shoulder on roads for bus lanes, particularly in and around the Dublin area. This will include the introduction of bus lanes on motorways in that area. Necessary changes to traffic signs and parking regulations to support this initiative are being prepared at present.
Separately, the application of a separate speed limit to vehicles using a reserved hard shoulder may be required in certain circumstances and this is not currently provided for in primary legislation. To deal with this, the Road Traffic Bill 2004, published on 11 June, proposes to provide a legal basis for the introduction of a separate special speed limit on a hard shoulder in lieu of the speed limit that normally applies to that road. The Bill is currently awaiting a timetable for its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas. Pending the enactment of the necessary legislation, the NRA and the quality bus network project office are identifying locations and making the necessary preparations at those locations where buses will be permitted to use the hard shoulder. Details will be announced in due course.