Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
725. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has any plans to permit limousines, as licensed small public service vehicles, to avail of bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9530/14]
View answerThe use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997, as amended. The primary purpose of providing bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus-based public transport. Bicycles and taxis are also permitted to use bus lanes.
Having regard to the role of taxis in providing on-street immediate public hire services, an exemption to allow for their operation in bus lanes, when they are being used in the course of business, was provided. It remains my opinion that to extend the use of bus lanes to other categories of vehicles will serve to undermine their original purpose and I have no plans to amend the current policy.
