DfT updates guidance on bus lane use

[StephenC]

Don't get too excited though, it's not anything major but I thought it worth putting here as it's good background stuff if you ever get into an argument about it or simply want to know what official policy is.

The DfT's note can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... es-tal-124

Summary from specialist media:
The starting point for the guidance is that traffic signs give local authorities the flexibility to allow motorcycles into their bus lanes, but this must be explicitly stated in the traffic regulation order for the bus lane.
It includes updates to legislation since the last version in 2007 but maintains the existing policy that councils should allow motorcyclists – solo-powered 2-wheelers including mopeds – to use bus lanes ‘wherever it is appropriate to do so’.
It cites the following policy considerations:
• safety implications involved in restricting motorcyclists to general traffic lanes, against the possible problems of allowing motorcyclists into the bus lane
• effect on other vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists
• possible impact on bus journey time reliability due to additional traffic in the bus lane
• reduction in congestion for other traffic on routes currently used by motorcyclists
• potential for motorcycling to become a genuine choice for road users if it is seen as a more convenient means of transport
• potential for overall improvements in transport efficiency
• local publicity to help advise road users of a policy change
The guidance also advises councils to consider the continuity of bus lane routes that admit motorcycles, warning that intermittent permission can be confusing and may pose enforcement difficulties.
Among safety issues that councils are advised to consider are visibility, the impact on pedestrians who may be expecting slow moving vehicles, and any potential for conflict between motorcycles and pedal cycles.
The guidance also highlights the risk or turning vehicles at junctions, noting that allowing motorcyclists into the bus lane reduces the risk of them turning across the bus lane but that there may be an increased risk of vehicles turning across the path of motorcycles.

[knight2]

Stephen, thanks for that, most of Sheffields bus lanes are open to motorcyclists but not all so you have to look at the signs. I'm not one for backing down in an argument but I like to know I'm right before I start.
On the subject of bus lanes I'm often surprised that people don't seem to like using them even when they are open to traffic. Several of Sheffields bus lanes are time and flow oriented so most of the time are open to all traffic but drivers seem reluctant to use them.