New bus lane signs being installed in Hull
The rules around entering the bus lanes is about the change later this month
Last updated 5th Mar 2024
The date when Hull’s bus lanes will switch to peak-time only hours has been confirmed as contractors begin replacing road signs across the city.
Bus lane restrictions will be enforced between 7am and 9.30am and 4pm and 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday, from Monday, March 18.
A Hull City Council spokesperson said enforcement activity has suspended enforcement activity while the installation of signage takes place.
It comes as work has begun to replace more than 150 road signs across Hull with new ones featuring the changed times.
The changes mean that all traffic can use bus lanes outside of the stated hours.
Between the morning and afternoon hours which coincide with rush hour only buses, taxis and bikes can use the lanes both into and out of the city.
It follows the publication of the details of four traffic regulation orders (TROs) which have legally moved bus lanes away from the all-day enforcement introduced in 2020.
All-day restrictions are set to remain in place until March 18.
The exception is the bus gate on Carr Lane where restrictions will remain unchanged.
The TROs were drawn up after the council’s Cabinet backed the changes in October.
It followed a survey in which the majority of bus users, motorists, walkers and cyclists said they supported the changes.
A separate People’s Panel survey showed car and van users were more likely to support the changes than average, with the converse true for those travelling by bus, bicycle and on foot.
Council Transport Portfolio Holder Cllr Mark Ieronimo said the changes acted on what Hull people wanted.
Cllr Ieronimo said: “When the bus lane operating times were changed initially, this didn’t happen, and the council has felt the backlash.
“On the bus lane operating times, residents must now feel that the council is listening to them and acting in their interests.”
But 46 objections were lodged against the proposals ahead of the Cabinet’s decision and the council’s own highways officers said they would make little difference to congestion.
Objectors including East Yorkshire Buses Managing Director Ben Gilligan and Hull Friends of the Earth emissions concerns and claims it would make bus and bike journeys longer.
Hull Labour opposition Leader Cllr Daren Hale said the changes were a simple solution to the complex problem of congestion on local roads.
Speaking about the impending change, the council’s spokesperson said: “Following the confirmation of the TROs earlier this year, the council’s contractor is in the process of replacing signs along the city’s bus lanes to outline the new operating times.
“On Monday, March 18, bus lanes will change from their current all-day operation to peak-time only, with the restrictions applying equally to bus lanes both in and out of the city.
“Outside of peak times, the lanes are available for use by all traffic.
“While the installation of signage is taking place, the council has suspended its enforcement activity.”