Shake-up to controversial bus lane criticised by cyclists

Some cyclists, who have been using the lane, have opposed Norfolk County Council's move to change the operating hours of the bus and cycle lane in Cromer Road and Aylsham Road.

Peter Silburn, chairman of Norwich Cycling Campaign (Image: Norwich Cycling Campaign)

Peter Silburn, Norwich Cycling Campaign chairman, said the group was "very concerned" and feared accidents will rise.

The 24/7 lane was installed in 2021, but more than 400 people opposed it.

Chloe Smith, when Conservative Norwich North MP, along with Tory district and county councillor Shelagh Gurney, raised further concerns with County Hall.

Department for Transport guidance issued in spring stated bus lanes should not operate when no bus services were running, or when traffic would not delay buses.

Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Graham Plant, the Conservative-controlled council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, also used his powers to change the hours.

It means the bus lane will operate from 7am to 7pm, with other traffic able to use it outside of those times, initially on a temporary basis.

However, Mr Silburn said: "Bus lanes are not cycle infrastructure, but on busy roads like this they can provide some protection for cyclists, although to be of any use they must operate for 24 hours.

"There is nothing to be gained from these changes.

"There is strong evidence, however, that the accident rate has dropped significantly since the introduction of the bus lane.

"Reducing hours of operation would inevitably result in the accident rate increasing."

County Hall's own officers said the bus lane had cut the accident rate by 75pc and 50pc on Cromer Road and Aylsham Road, respectively.

Liam Calvert (Image: Cllr Liam Calvert)

Green city councillor Liam Calvert said: "Mr Plant is ignoring evidence of his own experts who have pointed out many benefits of the bus lanes, which include reduced journey times for drivers and passengers and improved safety for all road users."

A council spokeswoman said: "We’re running this trial to monitor how reducing the hours the bus lane operates affects road users.

"This trial has the full support of local council members and was proposed as a result of feedback from them and the local community.

"Once evidence has been collected, a decision will be made on whether hours of operation should be changed permanently."