'Unfair' M4 bus lane scrapped

Date: 7/10/2010

The M4 bus lane is to be scrapped after the Transport Secretary deemed it unfair and harmful to the economy.

Philip Hammond announced the lane - which can currently only be used by licensed black taxis, motorcyclists and buses - will be opened to all motorists before Christmas.

It will be reinstated for the 2012 Olympics and after that, removed permanently.

Mr Hammond said: "I want to keep traffic moving and improve journey time reliability through making the most of our existing roads."

Reducing congestion on the M4 is crucial because it is a "vital strategic route", he continued, describing the current system that excludes certain road users as "unfair and damaging to the economy".

The decision was made following recent analysis that showed scrapping the lane would be reduce journey times for other drivers at peak periods without significantly affecting those currently allowed to use it.

Former transport secretary John Prescott introduced the lane in 1999.

Posted by Mary Treen