Why do we have bus lanes and bus only roads?

Bus lanes are separate to other lanes for general traffic on the highway, so their boundaries are marked with a solid white line and the words 'bus lane', which appear on the ground along each lane. Signs are in place prior to the start of the bus lane to warn motorists on their approach and enable them to change lanes as appropriate.

A bus only street or road is just that, i.e. a street or road which only buses (and other authorised vehicles) are permitted to use. They are clearly marked on the ground at the entrance to the street or the road, along with signs showing permitted vehicles (and times of operation if applicable).

Regulations for signing of bus only streets are detailed in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD).

Bus lanes are enforced to increase bus service reliability and therefore improve bus passenger journey times; encourage use of public transport - this supports an on-going commitment to increase the use of public transport and reduce traffic pollution and congestion and to promote more sustainable travel options.

Enforcement keeps the designated lane clear for bus use so as the service can run to specified time frames. This approach aims to improve air quality by reducing single use journeys and dependency on private motor vehicles. Encouraging bus use can also lead to improved accessibility to local facilities and essential services for all of the community.