Written question asked by Bill O'Brien (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 March 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Monday, 20 March 2000 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, if he plans to extend bus lanes on congested motorways and trunk roads; what plans he has to introduce priority lanes on motorways and trunk roads for lorries; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Bill O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he plans to extend bus lanes on congested motorways and trunk roads; what plans he has to introduce priority lanes on motorways and trunk roads for lorries; and if he will make a statement. [112706] Mr. Hill: The Government are committed to making the best possible use of existing trunk road systems in tackling problems of traffic congestion. This may, at certain specific locations, involve the provision of designated lanes but I do not envisage their widespread use in the immediate future on the motorway and trunk road network outside urban areas. Where such lanes are appropriate, consideration needs to be given on a case by case basis as to what vehicles, including buses and heavy goods vehicles, may use them and at what times.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 346 c387W; 112706
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Bus lanes Large goods vehicles Motorways Road traffic Roads Road traffic control