Extended 24/7 London bus lanes will include taxi access starting 13 September

A Transport for London’s (TfL) plan to extend the hours of bus lanes on a 24/7 basis will start on 13 September.

Existing access for bikes, taxis and motorcycles will be retained, while designated disabled parking bays, Blue Badge parking facilities and most loading bays will also be retained in the trial.

As London recovers from coronavirus, TfL claim there is an increasing need to provide more safe space for people to use active, sustainable and socially distanced modes of travel. It is hoped that by extending bus lane operating hours it will help guard against a car-led recovery by improving bus journey times and safety for Londoners making journeys by public transport and travelling by bike.

In July, when the changes were first announced, Claire Mann, Director of Bus Operations at TfL, said: “This pandemic has changed the way we all live, work and travel. For that reason, we need to adapt our network, be flexible and continue to help people travel safely and reliably as London gets back on its feet.

“The proposed changes to the operational hours of bus lanes will have significant benefits for bus passengers and people cycling beyond the current hours of operation, many of which were introduced years ago in a very different situation. We will carefully consider all feedback to ensure the trial has the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people and supports London’s recovery from coronavirus.”