Four of Liverpool’s bus lanes will come back into operation on Monday 24 November, following a review.
These routes will resume as bus lanes at the following times:
• Lime Street (inbound) between 12 noon – 6pm, Monday to Saturday
• St John’s Lane (inbound) between 4pm – 6pm, Monday to Saturday
• Strand Street (right turn) 12 noon – 6pm, Monday to Saturday
• Stand Street (southbound) Full time operation
The city’s 26 bus lanes were suspended in October 2013 to monitor and analyse their effect on traffic flow.
As a result of the review, by traffic consultants Mott McDonald, it has been decided to remove permanently all the lanes with the exception of the four in the city centre.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “I made it clear from the start that if the review found that any bus lanes were needed then we would reintroduce them and that is what we are doing with the four in the city centre.
“This was a very thorough analysis of the effects on traffic of the bus lanes and I would hope that all drivers would accept its findings.
“We are not just going back to the previous situation, but have looked carefully at what times the bus lanes are needed and they will only be in operation at those times.
“The bus lane review was aimed at making the traffic flow better in the city for all road users. It’s important that travelling through the city is as quick as possible for all road users for business, for residents, for visitors and I believe this can now be achieved if drivers are aware of and respect the bus lane routes. We will ,though, continue to monitor the situation to see if any future adjustments are needed.”
The bus lane review was part of a wider city transport plan which is to be concluded in February 2015. It aims to:
• Shape the future transport needs of the city
• Forecast future demand for all modes of travel
• Improve gateway routes, public realm and pedestrianisation
• Improve all public transport infrastructure
Discussions continue about how best facilities for cyclists can be provided, while £80m is being spent on upgrading main gateway routes over the next eight years.
