Government ‘ignores support’ for motorcycle bus lane access

Richard Aucock, Contributor
Fri, 24 Jan 2025

The government has confirmed to parliament it is not planning further research into the potential safety benefits of motorcycle bus lane access.

This is despite "overwhelming support" from both the public and key stakeholders.

In a survey by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA), a staggering 13,885 out of 14,089 respondents agreed with a policy giving bus lane access to motorcycles and other powered light vehicles.

Despite this a Department for Transport U-turn saw plans for motorcycle bus lane access shelved in November 2024. 

The confirmation came in the House of Lords, where Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick asked what further research "to determine whether allowing motorcycles default access to bus lanes would improve safety for vulnerable road users."

"The department has no plans at present to carry out research into the safety impacts of allowing greater access to bus lanes,” responded Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill.

The government says it has no policy to encourage greater uptake of motorcycles. Industry leaders are now questioning the decision.

"I am incredibly disappointed that the government has confirmed it will not research whether default bus lane access for mopeds, motorcycles and other powered light vehicles would save lives for vulnerable road users," says Motorcycle Industry Association CEO Tony Campbell.

"If the reasoning given for not supporting bus lane access is a lack of safety evidence, conducting further research should be a priority for the government – not just an excuse to dismiss a potentially beneficial policy. This decision sends the wrong message."

The Motorcycle Industry Association says the decision not only shows a disregard for the safety of powered light vehicle users, but also contradicts the government’s stated goals for decarbonisation and future mobility.

Campbell pointed to a recent roadmap for net zero by the non-profit Zemo Partnership. This he says, underscores the pivotal role of mopeds, motorcycles and other PLVs in accelerating decarbonisation and reducing congestion.

Ask HJ

What are the time limits for a PCN?

A PCN (driving in a bus lane) was issued 16 days after the offence - no doubt I did it (didn't spot the sign) - and received 17 days after the occurrence. Can I appeal it due to the lateness of the issue - I was under the impression it was 14 days?

A PCN should be issued within 28 days of the offence taking place, although this can be extended in circumstances where information supplied by the DVLA to the issuing body is delayed.

Answered by David Ross

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