Vol. 571 No. 1
1058 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce an order, at least for a trial period, to allow motor cycles use bus lanes in order that the strong case made that this will improve traffic flows and improve traffic safety can be tested and verified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20323/03]
Bus lanes are designed to protect bus speeds from the effects of traffic congestion to give buses, which are a more efficient mode of transport in terms of the numbers carried, a competitive journey time over other modes occupying the general traffic lanes beside it. The objective is that travellers will switch to buses in increasing numbers. Currently, where space permits and standards can be maintained, cyclists share bus lanes in quality bus corridors-cycle tracks. I will wait until the number of bus lanes has doubled, as I have recently announced, then I will review further.
