politics
Conservatives Promise to Restrict 24/7 Bus Lanes in Local Elections Manifesto
The Conservative Party announced a plan to scrap 24-hour bus lanes in areas under its control following England's local elections in May. The policy is part of a six-point initiative for drivers, including reversing a fuel duty hike and funding pothole repairs. Other parties criticized the proposals, citing past Conservative governance and fuel cost issues.
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The Conservatives announced a pledge to end 24-hour bus lanes in areas where they control councils after May's local elections in England. The policy, termed 'bus lanes that make sense,' forms part of a six-point plan for drivers released ahead of the polls.
Councils it runs will only allow bus lanes if there is a "genuine requirement". If in government, the Conservatives would end 24/7 bus lanes except with the specific written permission of a minister.
"Councils across the country have turned bus lanes into 24/7 enforcement traps," a Conservative spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that Conservatives will restore a common-sense approach to how road space is used. BBC News reported these details from the party's announcement.
Bus lanes are sections of roads reserved for public buses and authorised vehicles, such as taxis. They are controlled by councils and often operational at specific times, indicated by blue signs, or 24/7. The coverage of 24-hour bus lanes varies across UK council areas.
In 2021, Transport for London said about 50 miles (85km) of bus lanes in the city would permanently operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week. That same year, West Northamptonshire Council, then controlled by the Conservatives, scrapped a 24/7 bus lane and reduced its operating times. However, the Conservative-run Norfolk County Council installed a 24/7 bus lane in 2021.
The plan includes reversing a fuel duty hike due in September. It also involves spending £100m on pothole repairs. Additional elements of the plan entail ending blanket 20mph schemes. The Conservatives aim to clear driving test backlogs.
