HC Deb 28 April 1970 vol 800 cc1027-8
6. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Minister of Transport how many miles of road lanes reserved for buses are in use at present; and how many miles are planned.

Mr. Murray

No such mileage statistics are available, but we know of 21 bus lanes at present and plans for 10 more. We have asked local authorities to examine the feasibility of introducing more bus priority schemes following the recent report to my right hon. Friend of the Working Group on Bus Demonstration Projects.

Mr. Sheldon

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is a most valuable experiment which obviously needs to continue? Will he accept that we shall need to give an increased priority to public service transport, not only in the provision of bus lanes but also in the provision of subsidies?

Mr. Murray

We are aware of the help that this can give and we are encouraging local authorities to review bus routes with operators to see what bus priority schemes are possible.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that for this scheme to work —and I accept that it is a good idea—there must be the width of road required, and secondly, some method of ensuring that private vehicles do not get into the bus lane, which does not happen at present?

Mr. Murray

These are all points which obviously will be examined.