HC Deb 24 July 1968 vol 769 cc552-3
6. Mr. Geoffrey Wilson

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he has taken, in suitable cases, to provide on roads for which he is responsible or to ensure that road authorities provide in other cases, traffic lanes reserved for omnibuses so as to speed up public passenger traffic in towns.

Mr. Swingler

The volume of bus traffic on trunk roads is generally not high enough to justify bus lanes. In respect of principal and other roads we have advised local authorities that in preparing their traffic and transport plans they should consult bus operators and incorporate such measures as are needed to help public transport.

Mr. Wilson

Whilst I appreciate that there are a number of instances of traffic lanes for omnibuses in London and elsewhere, does the hon. Gentleman agree that some countries, particularly Sweden and Holland, use them much more than we do? Perhaps he would keep this well in mind.

Mr. Swingler

A number of local authorities are acting on this. I have a list of 11 local authorities which have put the proposal into operation, and I should be glad to supply the hon. Gentleman with a copy. Many more are considering it. I am sure that it is a measure that will be increasingly adopted.

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