Robert Troy
Ceist:2267. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the categories of road users permitted to use bus lanes. [34629/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (2267)
Freagraí scríofa
The usage of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997), as amended. The lanes were introduced, at some expense to the public, in order to provide for on-street priority for bus-based public transport. As such, their use is strictly limited.
In addition to buses, taxis are allowed to use with-flow, but not contra-flow, bus lanes, on the basis that they are available for on-street hire. Cyclists are permitted to use bus lanes, as they are inherently vulnerable road users and are likely to be safer in bus lanes, where they are available, than in general traffic. The emergency services - Gardaí, ambulance and fire brigade - may also use the lanes.
In 2011, the then Government withdrew the provision of state car from most members of the Government, and decided that members of the Government who did not have state cars would be permitted to drive or be driven in bus lanes, in order to prevent delays in the performance of their functions. This did not add to the traffic in the lanes since the new arrangement replaced state cars, which are driven by members of An Garda Síochána and may use bus lanes.