Changes to the majority of Edinburgh’s bus lanes will see them used during peak times only in a bid to simplify the system for drivers.
In a trial expected to last at least nine months, 90 per cent of the lanes will be cut to peak time use, while motorcyclists will also be allowed to use them at all times to make their journeys quicker and safer.
The changes, being introduced on Monday, follow a review of the capital’s 65km of bus lanes, 60 per cent of which are currently peak period only, which took into account the views of a variety of organisations representing bus lane users.
Transport convener, councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “The different operating hours that apply to bus lanes can cause confusion. We are therefore running a trial to have 90 per cent of bus lanes operating at peak periods only.
“The purpose of this is to see if standardised operating hours will make it simpler for drivers, without impacting adversely on bus journey times or compromising the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
“By allowing motorcyclists to use bus lanes we will also be making their journeys both safer and quicker, with little or no impact on buses.
“Both trials will be closely monitored throughout to assess the impact on all road users.”
Bus lanes began being used heavily by Edinburgh City Council in the 1990s in a bid to improve journey reliability and save time for buses, as well as encouraging more people to travel by bus rather than by car.
However, following the introduction of bus lane camera enforcement in 2012, the council claims it found that many drivers were confused about the operating hours of bus lanes in the city.
The plans to trial changes were approved by members of the authority’s Transport and Environment Committee last month, making Edinburgh the first city in Scotland to allow motorcycles in bus lanes.
Under the trial, all day bus lanes which currently operate from 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 6.30pm on Saturdays will only be in use between 7.30am and 9.30am and 4pm and 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
Following the trial, an assessment will look at the impact of the changes and be reported back to the council before any decision is made to make them permanent.
For more information on bus lanes and the changes taking place, visit the council website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk.
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