Liverpool bus lanes 'could be scrapped' says mayor

Liverpool City Council had a trial scheme for 12 months

The majority of bus lanes in Liverpool could be scrapped after a year-long trial without them, according to the city's mayor.

Joe Anderson said an independent review recommended keeping only four of its 26 bus lanes.

The council's cabinet will consider the full proposals at its meeting on 24 October.

Bus company Arriva said it was "surprised" the issue was being discussed ahead of the cabinet meeting.

The review recommended the four retained lanes be in the city centre.

"The majority of bus lanes would be decommissioned because the review did not see a purpose for them," Mr Anderson said.

Liverpool's proposed retained bus lanes

• The Strand

• St John's Lane

• James Street

• Lime Street

A spokesman for Arriva buses said: "We are surprised this is being discussed at present as the report does not go to committee until next week."

An RAC spokesman called the move "bold", adding: "It's interesting to see a city the size of Liverpool taking a very different approach to congestion and if it continues to be successful may well set a precedent for other UK cities to follow suit."