Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Transport if motorbikes will be allowed to use bus lanes by amending regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11044/04]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997, the primary purpose of which is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. These regulations generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists. Having regard to the role of taxis in providing on-street immediate hire service, an exemption to that limitation is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business. An overriding concern is the carrying capacity of bus lanes and the potential that their primary role to provide bus priority could be undermined if other vehicles are allowed access.

I have received representations seeking to extend access to bus lanes to a wide range of other road users, including hackney and limousine operators and motorcyclists. I do not have any immediate proposals to review the question of extending access to bus lanes to other road users. However, as I have already indicated on previous occasions in the House, I will review the question when the number of bus lanes has doubled.