KEEPING BUSES MOVING

In December 1991, the Department of Transport published new guidance on bus priority measures (Local Transport Note 1/91 Keeping Buses Moving HMSO (see IRRD 845352)) to encourage local authorities and bus operators to consider what more can be done about extending traffic management measures to assist buses. The paper summarises the position and updates delegates on progress made since publication. The co-operation required between the various organisations and agencies involved is considered, together with technical aspects of different types of bus priority and their signing. The paper also discusses pilot schemes for innovative measures which the Department is assessing for their potential for wider application. Enforcement and the need for publicity are also discussed. The use of bus lanes by other classes of vehicle is considered, again in relation to the pilot schemes. The importance of evaluating the balance between the benefits and disbenefits of bus priority schemes is discussed. It is hoped to present the results of research into the criteria and methods used to carry out such appraisals. (A) For the covering abstract of the seminar see IRRD 859670.