BIKES
IN BUS LANES
If
bus lane access for motorcycles interests you then you can help MAG turn up the
heat on this one by asking your MP to support a "Ten Minute Bill" on
the subject.
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.
The
following Ten Minute Rule Bill is scheduled to be introduced by Mr Bill Wiggin
(Conservative,
October:
The
bill reads as follows: 'That leave be
given to bring in a Bill to allow motorcycles to use bus lanes.'
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.
THE
BILL
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
In
the
Forward
thinking authorities have permitted PTW access
Bus
lane access is being trialled in
ACTION
(URGENT)
You
can email your MP direct from the MAG UK web site at www.mag-uk.org/campaigns/wizard.html
using the suggested letter.
Or
formulate your own from the information above.
All
MPs details are available via the web www.locata.co.uk/commons
Suggested
Letter
Dear
[ Your MP ]
I
am a member of your constituency.
I
am writing to ask if you would be prepared to support the "Ten Minute
Rule" Bill being presented by Mr Bill Wiggin MP on Wednesday 22nd October.
The
bill concerns the use of bus lanes by Powered Two Wheelers (PTW's) motorcycles
and scooters nationally.
Currently
Central Government has delegated decisions on bus lane access to local
authorities.
The
Department for Transport (DfT) previously published guidelines for the
introduction and use of bus lanes but has left this responsibility for the
local authorities to decide whether other vehicles such as PTW's should use bus
lanes.
The
DfT has been monitoring the effects of motorcycling in bus lanes trials for
several years and more recently in
The
Ten Minute Rule Bill will call for revised legislation that will automatically
include Powered Two Wheelers in bus lane regulations throughout the
There
are obvious advantages to motorcyclists in being able to use bus lanes and
advantages for road transport generally.
Enabling
the use of bus lanes by motorcycles and scooters will reduce the need to filter
through traffic and diminish the risk of accidents to riders.
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.
Encourage
a module shift from increased car use as part of an integrated solution to the
problems of traffic congestion.
I
hope you will support the bill and welcome your comments on this issue. If
there is any further information you require please do not hesitate to contact
me.
_______________________________________________
MAG-UK-Activists
mailing list
MAG-UK-Activists@lists.mag-uk.org
http://www.lists.mag-uk.org/mailman/listinfo/mag-uk-activists