DfT consultation on bus lane access

[Horse]

https://www.uknmc.org/news/government-c ... otorcycles

Government Consults on Default Access to Bus Lanes by Motorcycles
Consultation issued after work by NMC and its member organisations to bring clarity to the current patchwork of access
March 18, 2024
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has strongly welcomed a new consultation by the Department for Transport (DfT) which seeks views on making motorcycle access to bus lanes a default position in regulations in England.

In his introduction to the consultation, Transport Minister Guy Opperman MP said “Motorcycles are an important but sometimes overlooked mode of transport, not just by drivers who fail to spot bikers, but occasionally by government too. Their size and nature make them a dynamic and affordable option for road users, and with that it’s only right that our roads become as dynamic as those using them.” Mr Opperman’s remarks are welcomed and reflect the positive dialogue the NMC and its member organisations are having with the DfT on motorcycling matters. The consultation fulfils ministerial commitments made directly to the NMC last year.

The consultation builds on a recent DfT update to its traffic advice leaflet on motorcycles and bus lanes, which now says: “Wherever it is appropriate, local councils should allow motorcyclists to use bus lanes”. Although the update is welcomed, the NMC feels it still contains far too many caveats in relation to access, which extensive and long-standing practical experience of bus lane access reveals are unnecessarily precautionary.

[Skub]

Not that it affects me very much,but it would be good to have uniformity for the UK,then no one gets caught out.

[Horse]

Not that it affects me very much,but it would be good to have uniformity for the UK,then no one gets caught out.

The phrase 'about time too' springs to mind.

[Scootabout]

I've filled in the consultation form.

Whilst the preamble seems to imply the government wants to do this, there is a statement to the effect that if it goes ahead, initially it'll be via advice only to local authorities, then legislated for - maybe - 'when parliamentary time allows'.

So there's a danger it'll be kicked into the long grass.

[formula400]

This could be great at Putney Bridge is a Sod

[Bigyin]

As Skub said even if its just so we know whats allowed universally. I can freely use some bus lanes in certain counties and others are policed and penalised by cameras.

Some are signed with a pic of a motorcycle, others just a pedal cycle but motorbikes are allowed but only those with local knowledge are aware

[Scootabout]

Some are signed with a pic of a motorcycle, others just a pedal cycle but motorbikes are allowed but only those with local knowledge are aware

To that.
A bit like parking in residents bays in London. You need to know each borough's rules, as they are not usually signed.

[The Spin Doctor]

It's a great plan.

Get more riders heading in to work on a motorcycle...

...then charge them to park!

Bath's the latest to come up with the plan... https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/202 ... g-charges/

[Scootabout]

It's a great plan.

Get more riders heading in to work on a motorcycle...

...then charge them to park!

Bath's the latest to come up with the plan... https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/202 ... g-charges/

"..bikers will be required to pay the same rate as cars, which is proposed to increase by 6% from October 2024. On top of this, a sliding rate will be applied based on emissions or engine size. This will further add 2.5% per emission band or 5% per capacity band to the baseline charge.

Where emissions data isn’t available, motorcycles will be charged based on cylinder volume, with anything over 600cc occupying the most expensive tier. For reference, this would mean that a Honda NC750X could be charged as much as a three litre engined car."