Bus lanes & solid white lines

[BoinkCluster]

The bus & taxi lanes around my way are separated from the ‘normal’ traffic lane(s) by a single solid white line.

Do these lines have the same meaning as solid white lines along the middle of the carriage way, i.e. must not cross except in an emergency or to pass a stationary vehicle etc? And if so, do they work in both directions? That is, if a bus (or taxi) is in the bus lane, can it legally move from the bus lane to the normal lane?

[Bambi]

I know you are not supposed to enter the bus lane unless it is an emergancy but about the other I'm not sure

[noyourrights]

well i know the rules say you cannot cross the solid white line to enter a designated lane

but i dont know if it works both ways it is possible the busses are allowed to cross the white line to pass a stationary vehicle

[XDC]

The white line has the same meaning as any other white line - you can't cross it unless you're using the class of vehicle permitted to use that lane (subject to the usual exceptions).

As for whether vehicles can cross back out of that lane (crossing the solid white line) then I would say they can as they are entitled to 'use' the lane. Slightly annoying sometimes I know when buses and taxis cross in and out of the bus lane depending on how advantageous it is to them making quicker progress.

[7db]

Can someone clarify whether the same exemptions apply with the bus lane white lane as with - say - double white lines:-
- when directed
- to pass a cyflist under 10mph
- to pass a roadworks vehicle displaying keep right / left sign
- to cross into adjactent street
- etc etc.

[wazza]

Well common sense applies..... where on earth is the bus going to go if it cant cross that white line to pass something.

Now this line is NOT the same as double whites, they are so so different and the two should not be confused. It is a dividing line to seperate the bus lane from normal traffic flow. Busses may and do cross this line to pass obstructions. Other vehicles are not permitted to cross over into the bus lane during its time of operation. Except in an emergency or when so directed by an officer in uniform, they should not cross it to pass other vehicles waiting to turn off the road, they should wait.

High wycombe bus lane has a solid white line and the tarmac is the same colour... it is not a 24 hour bus lane, so when it is outside of the times cars are free to cross that line at anytime.

If there is a street to cross into the line will be broken to allow you to enter the said street.

[7db]

Waaza - thanks.

Is the definitive list in TSRGD? i've just looked and can't see it. in fact, worse, i've found out that London bus lanes are in the remit of TFL for unappealable enforcement -- so presumably not only are there no rules but they don't have t ofollow them, either.

For the rest of this lawless country -- where are the bus lane regs?

[Flyingscot]

London bus lanes are not unappealable- they can be appealed using through the usual channels (Parking appeals service) for both TfL and Councils. Not sure how many BL in London are the responsibility of councils like Lambeth and Bexley, but I sure someone will know if any given that TfL run the buses.

There is info in TSO about bus lanes IIRC, but there is another book (like the book for traffic calming devices) specifically for them, most of the info is on here- http://www.buspriority.org/signs.htm

[Flyingscot]

On reading down that it says that using no-entry signs with 'except buses' plates is not permitted to TSRGD. Is that true? Didn't we have an person caught out in Edinburgh with this? Can someone with access to TSRGD confirm that this is allowed, just those plates are not permitted?

[7db]

I meant not appealable to judicial, as opposed to their "expert" adjudicator (who, in fairness, often sides with the motorist). Furthermore the case law and criteria for decisions are unclear from the outside.

I don't think the councils run the BL enforcement as it is by camera in most places which requires TfL to be the issuing authority, IIUIC

[noyourrights]

Well common sense applies..... where on earth is the bus going to go if it cant cross that white line to pass something

but what about the bus or Taxi driver that moves back into traffic to overtake a slower moving vehicle as the main flow is faster then pulls back in to avoid queing at the lights

[7db]

The main issue seems to be that the buses pulling out think that they have priority over traffic already in that lane.

[BillZZR]

Highway Code
198: Buses, coaches and trams. Give priority to these vehicles when you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from stops. Look out for people getting off a bus or tram and crossing the road.

And Bus Drivers assume assume you will!!!!

[BillZZR]

And They are Usually Much BIGGER than you are

[7db]

The bus drivers around here start signalling whilst hey are still loading passengers so that they will have a nice queue of traffic by the time they want to pull out.

Is our interpretation of rule 198 that buses have legal priority all the time, then?

[BillZZR]

7db
I would go with the genaraly accepted position, indeed as stated in the introduction to the "Code"

"Although failure to comply with the other [than legal Regulations..... my words] rules of the Code will not, it itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under Traffic Acts to establish liability.

So whilst not exactly a legal priority, if there were a "conflict, or incident" then failure to have followed the rules in the highwaycode, could be evidence of at least Driving without care and Atention, if not any other charge or offence.

[7db]

So if the 52 pulls out on me this evening on the way home, whilst I am passing him in his bus stop, I might be driving without due care and attention?

[BillZZR]

Yep!! in that in aproaching the bus stop, (as the good driver you are) you should have in your observations noted
A the bus stop
B

[BillZZR]

oops posted before finished

B the Bus
C passengers getting on or off
D that the driver will probably "mirror, signal........sell 5 more tickets...pull out whilst talking to the last fairpaying passenger, then stick his hand out the window with a thumbs up, then check his offside mirror, Just as you pass his cab

[Bambi]

:) the last one sounds about right