Bus Priority Measures
A General Guide
Introduction
Buses play a key role in Bath's Integrated Transport Strategy.
Because buses are capable of carrying more people than most other
vehicles, the efficiency of the total transport system can be
improved by giving them greater priority. The main objectives of
this are to give better service to passengers, with lower journey
times and increased reliability, reducing the cost of the service
and improving the image of public transport to help make the bus an
acceptable alternative to the private car.
Bus lanes are provided on the public highway to afford specific
priority for buses. They are identified by the use of "BUS LANE"
road markings and blue rectangular signs. Time-plates are required
unless the bus lane operates for 24-hours a day and seven days a
week. A formal
Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is required to create a bus
lane.
Use of Bus Lanes
Any vehicle, which can carry eight or more passengers (excluding
the driver) may use the bus lane. This includes coaches and
mini-buses, and, in addition, exemptions may be provided for taxis,
emergency service vehicles, pedal cycles, and in some cases motor
cycles. There are generally two types of bus lanes - 24-hour bus
lanes and peak period bus lanes. Motorists are not entitled to
drive in 24-hour bus lanes but the peak period bus lanes may be
used outside the hours of operation displayed on the signs.
Restrictions and Enforcement
All bus lanes have waiting restrictions and loading restrictions
associated with them and these may correspond to the hours of
operation of the bus lane. However, with non-peak hour bus lanes
loading is usually permitted outside the peak hours. Exemptions are
specified within the
TRO to permit drivers to cross bus lanes to access private
driveways.
Currently, the police will prosecute motorists travelling in bus
lanes during their hours of operation, whilst Parking Attendants
will enforce the loading and waiting restrictions associated with
the bus lane. Parking Attendants are also now deployed on some
strategic services to take action against drivers who park in and
obstruct bus lanes. The use of static and mobile camera and video
surveillance has also been introduced in London.
Other Bus Priority Measures
- Contra-flow bus lanes enable buses and other exempt
vehicles to travel against a one-way flow. This requires a
TRO and a 24-hour Bus Lane.
- Selective Vehicle Detection (SVD) can be
incorporated into certain traffic signal controlled junctions to
give priority to buses by extending green signal times or placing a
hurry call.
- Bus Gates provide signalled slip routes past
queues of traffic to enable buses to gain priority over other
traffic in known queuing areas.
- Bus Only Streets permit buses and other
exempted vehicles to enter streets where all other vehicles are
prohibited. This requires a
TRO.
This information has been reproduced by kind permission of
Bristol City Council
