Conservatives Pledge End to 24-Hour Bus Lanes in Local Council Areas After May Elections

The Conservative Party has committed to eliminating 24-hour bus lanes in English council areas where the party secures control after the forthcoming local elections in May. This initiative, termed 'bus lanes that make sense', is a component of a six-point agenda for drivers unveiled by the party.

Under the proposed policy, Conservative-led councils would only permit bus lanes where a 'genuine requirement' is demonstrably present. Furthermore, the party stated that a future Conservative government would mandate specific written ministerial permission for any 24/7 bus lane to operate.

'Councils across the country have turned bus lanes into 24/7 enforcement traps,' a Conservative spokesperson stated. 'Conservatives will restore a common-sense approach to how road space is used.'

Bus lanes are designated road sections for public transport and authorised vehicles, such as taxis. Their operational hours, often indicated by blue signage, can be either specific times or continuous 24/7. While Transport for London expanded 24-hour bus lane coverage in 2021 to approximately 85km, Conservative-run West Northamptonshire Council simultaneously curtailed a 24/7 bus lane's operating times. Conversely, Conservative-controlled Norfolk County Council introduced a 24/7 bus lane in the same year.

The bus lane proposals are part of a wider Conservative strategy to 'restore common sense for car owners to get Britain moving again.' This comprehensive plan includes reversing a planned fuel duty increase in September, allocating £100m for pothole repairs, ending blanket 20mph speed limits, addressing driving test backlogs, and rescinding the 2030 prohibition on petrol and diesel car sales.

Labour criticised the Conservatives' 14-year tenure, alleging they 'had left our roads riddled with potholes and the driving test system in chaos.' Labour pledged to freeze fuel duty, double pothole repair investment, approve new road projects, and increase driving test capacity.

The Liberal Democrats asserted that motorists were 'paying the price for Trump's illegal war in Iran as fuel costs continue to soar,' demanding an immediate 10p cut to fuel duty and reduced VAT on public electric car charging.

Reform UK accused Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch of appropriating its policies, including the reversal of the proposed 5p fuel duty hike. A Reform UK spokesperson noted the irony of announcing plans to clear driving test backlogs 'when it was created under their government.'

The Green Party of England and Wales characterised the Conservative plan as resembling 'Jeremy Clarkson's wildest dream,' adding that 'for most communities, these policies would be a living nightmare.' A Green spokesperson concluded, 'If recent events have taught us anything, it's that we need to stop forcing people to drive just to get around in their daily lives.'