Trial use of bus lanes by Private Hire Vehicles (PHV) and Motorcycles (Powered Two Wheelers – PTW) So that buses can get ahead of traffic queues, bus lanes are provided on many routes in the city. However as the amount of traffic in the city grows, road space is becoming increasingly valuable. We are now looking at ways to make more effective and efficient use of the roads - this can include opening up bus lanes to sustainable forms of transport other than buses, hackney carriages and pedal cycles. Before making a decision on what vehicles are allowed to use bus lanes, we are carrying out two trials, starting on Monday 26 November 2007, lasting for up to 18 months until June 2009: Private Hire Vehicles (PHV) in bus lanes along New Town Row, Birchfield Road, and Walsall Road, and Motorcycles or Powered Two Wheelers (PTW) along the A435 Moseley Road, Alcester Road, and Alcester Road South.

Private Hire Vehicles From Monday 26th November the City Council are carrying out a trial use of the existing bus lanes by PHVs along A34 New Town Row, High Street, Birchfield Road and Walsall Road as shown on the map. The trial will last for up to 18 months. The bus lane road markings, time of operation and existing traffic sign positions will remain unchanged. However, the existing traffic signs will be replaced by new traffic signs which allow PHV to use the existing bus lanes. PHVs are referred to as ‘authorised vehicles’ on the new signs, as shown below. The Local Transport Plan (LTP) identifies the important role that hackney carriages (taxis) and private hire vehicles (PHV) play in providing an integrated transport system, including their role in supporting economic revitalisation; improving accessibility and social inclusion; supporting sustainable travel patterns; improving safety and health; and providing an important link between public transport modes. However, there remain differences between taxis and PHV, principally taxis can use on-street ranks and ply for hire, whilst PHV must be booked in advance and taxis can use bus lanes whereas PHV are prohibited.

Powered Two Wheelers / Motorcycles From Monday 26th November the City Council are carrying out a trial use of the existing bus lanes by motorcycles along A435 Moseley Road, Alcester Road and Alcester Road South as shown on the map. The trial will last for up to 18 months. The bus lane road markings, time of operation and existing traffic sign positions will remain unchanged. However, the existing traffic signs will be replaced by new traffic signs which allow motorcycles to use the existing bus lanes as shown below. Motorcycling can provide a shorter journey time in congested traffic conditions and overall congestion can be reduced as motorcycles generally occupy less road space than cars. Moreover, it is a cheaper alternative compared to car use which can provide independence and mobility. Motorcycles are already permitted to use the bus lanes on the 67 bus route on the A38 Tyburn Road and also on Corporation Street between Lancaster Circus and Dartmouth Circus. However a previous assessment of the impacts, in particular safety, of allowing motorcycles to use the bus lanes was inconclusive and there is limited continuous monitoring data available. Therefore a further trial allowing motorcycles in bus lanes is being undertaken.

Detailed monitoring will be undertaken during the trial period, the results of which will be used to inform future Birmingham policy on bus lane use by other vehicles.

Both of these schemes are being undertaken by Atkins on behalf of Birmingham City Council. If you have any queries, or would like further information, please contact: Name: Belinda Cherry Tel: 0121 483 5919 Email: belinda.cherry@atkinsglobal.com