Bedford bus lanes open to taxis and bicycles in trial
- Published
Bus lanes in Bedford are to be opened to taxis and bicycles in an effort to ease the town's traffic problems.
The borough council's 18-month trial started on Thursday and will run alongside a public consultation.
The four bus lanes in the town centre will also be open to private hire cars and motorcycles.
The council said they will monitor the effects the trial has on" bus reliability, congestion and safety".
At the end of the trial the scheme will be reviewed and comments from from the public taken into consideration.
Permanent change
A decision will then be taken on whether the change should become permanent.
Councillor Charles Royden who is responsible for Environment and Transport in the town said: "People often remark that it appears as though we aren't making the most effective use of our bus lanes.
"We have also been asked in recent years by various road users if they could be allowed to travel in them.