Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 113: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to allow cars with three or more occupants to access bus lanes; the analysis he has carried out on this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29491/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 and 1998. The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. The regulations, which have national application, generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists also. Having regard to the role of taxis in providing an on-street immediate hire service, an exemption to the restriction relating to the use of with-flow bus lanes is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business.

Many requests have been received by my Department seeking to extend access to bus lanes to a wide range of other road users, including hackney and limousine operators, motorcyclists and drivers of cars with more than two occupants. A review of the access issue was carried out in 2001 and took account of the physical characteristics of the vehicles seeking access, including motorcycles. As part of that review the views of the director of traffic in Dublin City Council, the Dublin Transportation Office and the Garda Síochána were sought. All of those bodies suggested that there should be no change to the current position. That remains the position.