Bus lane operating hours to change after Cabinet decision

Hull’s bus lanes are proposed to change to peak time operation, in both directions, from their current all-day operating times following a decision taken today (Monday 23 October) by our Cabinet.

A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will now be initiated proposing changes on all the city’s bus lanes, except for the Carr Lane bus gate which will remain in operation 24-7. The decision will also see us undertake detailed assessments of all key junctions and crossings along each bus route. This is to see if additional safety measures can be implemented alongside a review of parking arrangements within bus lanes to ensure the lanes remain free for moving traffic at all times.

Once implemented, the new operating times would mean that outside of peak times the lanes would be open to all traffic.

The all-day operating times were put in place in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, bus lanes have been operating Monday to Saturday, 7am to 6.30pm, since summer 2020.

A Traffic and Transport Survey was undertaken in summer 2022, which gathered over 20,000 responses. 65% of residents who responded, favoured changing the bus lane operating times. As a result, the Cabinet requested that a statutory consultation exercise be undertaken to review the existing arrangements.

In accordance with Government guidance, we held a consultation in June and July 2023, which received 2,526 responses.

The consultation responses included detailed comments from statutory consultees and stakeholder bodies alongside representations from members of the public.

Cabinet has decided to initiate the process to limit bus lane use to peak time operation. It has been informed by the consultation and detailed data upon road use in the city. Requests were also made for the introduction of improvements to junctions where cyclists access the highway and the prohibition of daytime parking in bus lanes.

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said -

“Having considered all the feedback, we have made a decision that balances the needs of all members of the travelling public, whilst considering the available data and the reality of Hull’s highway network.

“Today’s decision demonstrates the council’s commitment to addressing traffic issues and congestion, while continuing to support residents to make active travel choices, such as walking, cycling and bus travel, and comes alongside agreed plans for off-road cycle lanes on Freetown Way, enabling a return to 2 lanes of carriageway, and a wider ambition to invest in more off-road cycle facilities.”

Once the TRO is published, there will be a formal objection period of 21 days. Should no objections be received, the aim would be to implement the new bus lane operating times in the New Year, following changes to any signage.

Pending formal approval of a TRO, the current restrictions on bus lanes will remain in place.