§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he proposes to ensure that bus lanes are properly enforced. [59482]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonResponsibility for proper enforcement of bus lanes is a matter for the Police. Local Transport Note 1/97, Keeping Buses Moving, provides clear advice on enforcement. Decriminalised parking enforcement in London has resulted in a better level of enforcement, and is an option open to other local authorities to pursue to support the police.
My Department's role is to investigate promising methods for improving the effectiveness of enforcement and disseminating the results to the police and local authorities. In this context, London-wide implementation of the use of video camera technology for enforcement of bus lanes is in progress following successful trials. The police and local authorities elsewhere may wish to consider the possibility of such an approach in their areas.