Bus lanes - Quick clarification ?

[simonm]

Motorcycles are only allowed in the bus lane in the centre of London (or outside operating hours or if sign painted on the road).  Correct ?


Newb question I'm afraid, just double checking my facts :-)


Just watched this clip on youtube (British Biker gets a ticket on purpose) and looked in the highway code and thought I'd query it.


Like I said, newb.

[cbx63]

As i understand it yes your correct.

Although imo we should be allowed to use them....

[JZS 600]

In central london it's on the blue sign with the bus and bicycle but be aware when you go in to other borough's as they may not like motorbikes in the lanes, like it seems to be round Islington.
I have to go Old St some times when the crossrail closes London Wall and there's no motorbike on the sign there.....

[alexanderfitu]

Yup check the sign.if there's no motorbike on it then you can't use it. Most of the ones around harrow/Kenton I can't use. Pshhh

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

[richfzs]

Depends on each individual council, whether they allow it in their area. MAG is campaigning for universal access, and individual groups are having some success in their areas (e.g. Leicester are just starting a trial, Bristol has allowed it for a good while now) but there's a long way to go. Unfortunately, you do need a bit of knowledge as to where you can and can't :-\

As I understand it for London, despite it being one city, there isn't joined up thinking on this yet, so some areas are yes, others are no!!!

Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk 2

[alexanderfitu]

It's so stupid. Ealing allowed it for 2 years and now they don't. And because I can't use the empty lane on the left, I have to play chicken with oncoming traffic on the right

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

[Grahamm]

Just watched this clip on youtube (British Biker gets a ticket on purpose) and looked in the highway code and thought I'd query it.

Paragraph 142 of the Highway Code says:

142

High-occupancy vehicle lanes and other designated vehicle lanes. Lanes may be restricted for use by particular types of vehicle; these restrictions may apply some or all of the time. The operating times and vehicle types will be indicated on the accompanying traffic signs. You MUST NOT drive in such lanes during their times of operation unless signs indicate that your vehicle is permitted.

Vehicles permitted to use designated lanes may or may not include cycles, buses, taxis, licensed private hire vehicles, motorcycles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs). Where HOV lanes are in operation, they MUST ONLY be used by

*    vehicles containing at least the minimum number of people indicated on the traffic signs

*  any other vehicles, such as buses and motorcycles, as indicated on signs prior to the start of the lane, irrespective of the number of occupants.

Laws RTRA sects 5 & 8, & RTA 1988, sect 36

Blue signs with white writing (that aren't motorway road signs) give "positive instruction", ie they aren't warnings or prohibition, but what they say on them must be obeyed.

BTW "bicycle" simply means that it has two wheels, "motorcycle" is actually a contraction of "motor bicycle", but one which is propelled by a motor, rather than pedals. I believe (although I've not checked) that if you had one of the very old mopeds (a contraction of "motor" and "pedal") which could actually be propelled by the pedals (ie not a scooter type) then you would be able to use the bus lane.

In any case, the guy on that clip wasted 30 quid to find out information which was already available.

[ChristoT]

When in doubt - follow a courier. They know the fastest ways around London, and if that includes a bus lane, they'll use it! Well, the couriers who hang around Foc-U do anyway... 

[Rebuilt]

We donr seem to have that problem here down south .... well atleast Plymouth ... but the video does make a good point 

The vehicle type is classed as bycicle therefore is exactly what is on the signs and desscription of the bus lane ....so i see no reason why they could fine people for it .
ALthough he was a supriseingly polite copper and he obviously was amused by the fact that the point was true  :b