Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 878: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on allowing motor bikes to use bus lanes as a means of helping motor bike safety, and also of utilising the existing space that is there for bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1783/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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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. an exemption to the restriction relating to the use of with-flow bus lanes is allowed in respect of taxis, having regard to their role in providing an on-street immediate hire service, when they are being used in the course of business. Many representations have been received by the Department of Transport from interests seeking to extend access to bus lanes to a wide range of other road users, including hackney and limousine operators and motorcyclists. A review of the access issue, which was carried out in 2001, took account of the physical characteristics of the vehicles seeking access, including motorcycles. The views of the director of traffic of Dublin City Council, the Dublin Transportation Office and the Garda Síochána were sought as part of that review. All those bodies suggested there should be no change to the current position. That remains the position.