Enforcement of bus lane times

Having been a motorcyclist and car driver for almost 40 years, I recently bought a new Highway Code booklet as I wanted to update my road-use knowledge. I believe that during certain periods, ordinary motorists are allowed to use "Bus Lanes". Is this correct? If so, when is this allowed, or do times vary from area to area?

Answer

The times bus lanes are enforced are required to be indicated on the blue signs which mark their commencement. Even if the other carriageways are blocked (say by an accident) an offence would technically occur should you use them - although in practice it is very unlikely the Crown Proscution Service would bring forward any such prosecution or a court would enforce it.

If you are involved in an accident where you or the other driver was in a bus lane, always take a photo of the blue sign showing the hours of use using your crashmate pack if you are a crashguard member.  This may help prove either that you have the right to be there or that the other driver did not.

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