HC Deb 04 August 1976 vol 916 cc1698-9
6. Mr. John H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he will now take to inform the travelling public of the traffic sign regulations concerning bus lanes in city and urban areas.

Dr. Gilbert

Bus lane signs and rules are explained in the booklet "Know Your Traffic Signs" and they will be covered in the next revision of the Highway Code. In addition, three short television publicity films are available on the subject.

Mr. Osborn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many towns and cities bus and hackney carriage drivers are unaware of when bus lanes are operating, particularly when the signs cannot be seen? Does he realise that the private motorist faces even more difficulties because in some towns the bus lanes are in operation for 24 hours while in others they operate only two or four hours, and that in some local authorities, such as Sheffield, bus gates and lanes do not give hackney carriages the priority they are given in, for example, London?

Dr. Gilbert

I am aware of the situation to which the hon. Gentleman refers. The bus lane sign was altered several times while we were experimenting with it, but a standard sign has now been adopted and prescribed for use in the 1975 traffic regulations. I hope that this will avoid some of the difficulties raised by the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Madel

What is the point of having bus lanes on the main roads out of North and North-West London when they cause even worse traffic congestion?

Dr. Gilbert

The purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate the movement of public transport, which will enable costs to be kept down and improve the reliability and frequency of bus services in the interests of that high proportion of the population who do not travel to work by private car.

Sir John Hall

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, although bus lanes can contribute to the better flow of traffic in cities, this will not happen until their use is better understood by the public and there is some attempt to make people respect them? What measures does the Minister have in mind to ensure that the lanes are respected by other road users?

Dr. Gilbert

Enforcement is not a matter for me, but if the hon. Gentleman has any cases in mind where difficulties have occurred I shall be happy to look at them.

Mr. Crouch

What is the penalty for travelling in a London bus lane in a private car? Is it as much as a £100 fine, as I have been led to believe?

Dr. Gilbert

I should need to take advice on that question. My impression is that the fine is £50, but I shall check and write to the hon. Member.