Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 63: To ask the Minister for Transport his policy in relation to the use of bus lanes by motorcyclists; and the road safety research this policy is based upon. [41627/06]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 79: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has reviewed the proposal to allow motorcycles to use bus lanes. [41680/06]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 130: To ask the Minister for Transport his proposals in relation to permitting motorcyclists use bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41735/06]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 145: To ask the Minister for Transport his proposals to amend regulations to allow hackneys to use bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41628/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 79, 130 and 145 together.

The use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic & 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 representations have been received by my Department seeking to extend access to bus lanes in relation to a wide range of other road users including hackneys. A review of the access issue was carried out in 2001 and took account of the physical characteristics of the vehicles seeking access. The result of that review was to maintain the existing position.

Earlier this year, the Road Safety Authority carried out and presented to my Department some research in relation to motorcycle safety and proposed that the issue of allowing motorcyclists access to bus lanes on a pilot scheme basis be examined. Following consultation with the other relevant agencies, it has been decided to proceed to the detailed specification of pilot schemes.