Bus lane restrictions change to peak hours only
‘PEOPLE WANTED CHANGE’: City council leader Mike Ross near one of the new signs on Beverley Road
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Congestion on the city’s roads may ease next week when the operation of bus lanes changes to peak times only.
From Monday, all bus lanes in and out of the city will be restricted to buses, taxis and bikes between 7am and 9.30am, and from 4pm to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday, with the lanes available for use by all traffic outside these times.
The only exception will be the Carr Lane bus gate in the city centre, which will remain in operation 24 hours a day.
The new traffic regulation orders issued earlier this year also amend the prohibition of waiting and loading restrictions on Holderness Road, Beverley Road and Spring Bank during peak hours to remove the ability for vehicles to wait or load within the bus lanes during peak times.
This is intended to make the operation of bus lanes more efficient and safer for cyclists.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The council carried out the city's biggest ever traffic and transport survey, with more than 20,000 responses received from local people expressing views on what they wanted to see happen to Hull's highway network.
“Most people said they wanted a change from the current all-day bus lane operating times. In line with this feedback, as well as through consultation with stakeholders, and consideration of available data, a decision that balances the needs of all members of the travelling public has been made for Hull’s bus lanes to operate at peak times only.
“Real change takes time, and I would like to thank our residents for their patience and understanding while this work has been completed.
“The new bus lane operating times demonstrate the council’s commitment to addressing traffic issues and congestion.
“With this matter now resolved, the council is keen to see the city’s highway network and transport system continue to evolve and move forward.
“We want to support and promote sustainable and active travel choices through our work with the Hull Bus Alliance and by further investing in off-road cycle lanes, such as those planned for Freetown Way and Preston Road.”