by Mark
Westminster City Council is considering allowing motorcycles to use all bus lanes across a large part of central London.
The Council have said the decision will help ease what it describes as ‘chronic congestion’.
A consultation will begin on the 6th March for three weeks to allow road users to comment.
It was just three years ago that motorcycles were allowed to use Red Routes and some bus lanes in the city of London.
Statistics from Transport for London (TfL) show that the scheme has been a success with a 20% improvement in traffic flow for motorcycles with bus travel not being adversely affected.
Westminster City Council will launch a pilot scheme on selected busy routes including: Strand, Buckingham Palace Road, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Whitehall and Parliament Street.
If the pilot is successful the Council will make the change permanent across the City. Councillor Lee Rowley, cabinet member for transport and parking, said: “With the use of scooters rising by over 11 per cent in 2011, it is important that the council takes action to help two-wheeled road users get around the capital safely.”
Dr Leon Mannings, transport policy adviser for the Motorcycle Action Group, welcomed the move. “This proposal is a triumph for evidence-led policy development and will be a great step forward in ending confusion over which bus lanes can be used by all congestion busting single-track vehicles.
