BIKES IN BUS LANES

MAG would like to thank all those who responded to the Activist Email Army request to contact their MP through the Political Wizard on the introduction of a bill to allow access for motorcycles in Bus Lanes across the UK.

The Ten Minute Rule Bill was introduced to the House of Commons by Mr Bill Wiggin (Conservative, Leominster) on Wednesday 22nd

October:

The bill was supported unopposed by Mr. Don Foster, Angela Watkinson, Mr. Mark Todd, Mr. Stephen Pound, Peter Bottomley, Dr. Brian Iddon, Mr. Robert Key, Mr. Adrian Flook, Mr. Bill Tynan, Mrs. Jackie Lawrence and Mr. Roger Gale.

ACTION http://dpa.util.mag-uk.org/buslanes241003.html

MAG now needs you to turn up the heat on the issue by asking your MP for support.

The bill will now receive a second reading in the House of Commons on Friday 21st November 2003.

Full Details of the introduction of the bill http://dpa.util.mag-uk.org/prbuslanes241003.html

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What is a Ten Minute Rule Bill

Bills introduced under the ten-minute rule are one of the ways in which back bench MPs (private Members) can introduce legislation.

The process is used more as a means of making a point on the need to change the law on a particular subject. Motions under this rule may also provide the opportunity for MPs to test Parliament's opinion on a particular subject upon which they may wish to legislate at a later date.

The ten minute rule allows a brief introductory speech and one opposing the motion to be made in the House after Question Time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the House is likely to be full.

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Background Information

Currently Central Government has delegated decisions on bus lane access to local authorities however the fact that an MP is suggesting a national policy is no bad thing as it strengthens the probability of Central Government giving a clearer lead to local Government on this issue.

A national policy would negate the situation where neighbouring local authorities operate different policies where a rider is allowed to use a bus lane in one authority area but has to leave when the authority boundary is crossed.

Access to Bus Lanes would allow the Government to carry out their commitment to reduce congestion, improve safety and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The bill supports MAG's position on allowing PTW's in bus lanes by arguing that :

1 Bus lane use will help improve safety by moving smaller commuter PTW's such as scooters out of the main traffic flow.

2 Encouraging a module shift from increased car use as part of an integrated solution to the problems of traffic congestion.

3 Allowing PTW's to play an essential role as the most practical means of personal transportation for those who cannot afford a car thus alleviating social exclusion for the young person and those on low income.

4 Liberating road space for essential traffic and reducing damage to the roads infrastructure by virtue of the elementary design and weight advantages of PTW's compared to other transport modes.

Notes:

Bus Lane use by PTWs is already allowed and successful in European cities such as Barcelona, Rome and Stockholm.

In the UK, PTW access to bus lanes was introduced in Bristol in 1995 and has operated permanently since 1996. Reading's PTW access scheme was made permanent in 1999.

Forward thinking authorities have permitted PTW access Bath, Birmingham, Colchester, Hull, Swindon and the M4 bus lane.

Bus lane access is being trialled in London on the A41 Finchley Road between Queens Grove North and Platts Lane during normal bus lane operating hours (7-10am and 4-7pm). Two more pilots are planned to follow on the A23 Brixton Road and A13 East India Dock Road.

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THE ACTION (by Friday 21st November 2003)