Written question asked by Shaun Woodward (Conservative) on Monday, 12 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 July 1999. It was answered by Glenda Jackson (Labour) on Friday, 23 July 1999 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when the M4 bus lane will move from pilot to full operational phase. - Inc figures. (Holding answer 15 July 1999).

Answer: Mr. Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the M4 bus lane will move from pilot to full operational phase. [91483] Ms Glenda Jackson: [holding answer 15 July 1999]: The bus lane is fully operational. It is making journeys for all vehicles quicker. Buses and taxis are making savings of over three minutes (30 per cent.) during the morning and evening peak periods. In a period of severe congestion caused by an accident elsewhere buses using the bus lane were sixteen minutes quicker than other vehicles. On average cars are achieving savings of one minute (10 per cent.) during the morning peak period and two and a half minutes (25 per cent.) during the evening peak. Overall the bus lane and its associated speed limits have increased the maximum capacity of the M4 in this location by up to 10 per cent. at peak times. This benefits all vehicles.

Secondary information