Barry Andrews
Ceist:354 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Transport his views on allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes to reduce traffic congestion. [13384/03]
Written Answers. - Traffic Congestion.
The use of bus lanes in this country is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997, the primary purpose of which is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. 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 when they are being used in the course of business.
The Minister for the Environment and Local Government previously held responsibility in this area and following representations from hackney, limousine and motorcycle interests on the issue of bus lane access, a review of the regulations was undertaken in 2001 by his Department in consultation with the Garda Síochána, the Dublin Transportation Office and Dublin City Council.
An overriding concern is the carrying capacity of bus lanes and the potential that their primary role to provide bus priority could be undermined if other vehicles are allowed access. Having regard to these circumstances, and having considered the various views expressed on this issue, it was decided on completion of the review that there should be no change in the existing bus lane access provisions, at present.