Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2013
685. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasons hackneys cannot use bus lanes and if there will be any attempt to change this regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18911/13]
View answerThe use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic & Parking) Regulations, 1997, as amended. The primary purpose of providing bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. The 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 when they are being used in the course of business.
There have been many requests over the years to extend the use of bus lanes to other categories of road user. These include limousines and hackneys, motorcycles, multi-occupancy vehicles and ambulances for cats. My Department has rejected these requests in light of the original reason for the creation of bus lanes, at the taxpayer’s expense, i.e. the prioritisation of public transport and the fact that hackneys and limousines, unlike taxis, are not available for on-street hire.
My view remains that the use of bus lanes should not be extended in any way which would undermine their original purpose through adding to congestion in these lanes.
