Agenda item

To consider a report from the Head of Democratic Services that introduces a range of information associated with powered two-wheeler access to with flow bus lanes; including information from Leeds Motorcycle Action Group and the associated response from the Director of City Development. 

The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report that introduced a range of information associated with powered two-wheeler access to with flow bus lanes; including information from Leeds Motorcycle Action Group and the associated response from the Director of City Development.

The following was appended to the report:

-  Request for Scrutiny – Leeds Motorcycle Action Group

-  Feedback Survey Results

-  Director of City Development’s response

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Executive Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development

-  Gary Bartlett, Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation, City Development

-  Andrew Hall, Head of Transport Planning (Highways and Transportation), City Development

-  David O’Donoghue, Principal Transport Planner, City Development

-  Ambrose White – Policy Officer (Transport), West Yorkshire Combined Authority

-  Mr Richard Manton, Motorcycle Action Group Representative (Yorkshire and Leeds)

-  Mr Colin Brown, Motorcycle Action Group, Director of Campaigns and Political Engagement

Mr Brown addressed the Board on behalf of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG). Mr Brown noted that the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) published a 20 year transport plan in 2017 that recommended that motorcycles should be allowed in bus lanes wherever possible. Mr Brown sought Members support in relation to a change in policy for Leeds to allow motorcycle access to bus lanes, in line with the guidance set out in the WYCA 20 year transport plan, and to ensure a consistent approach with all four other local authorities in West Yorkshire.

Mr Brown contested some of the narrative in the report of the Director of City Development in regard to possible implications of revising the policy to allow motorcycle access to bus lanes, specifically in relation to road safety, bus priority and air quality. Mr Brown noted that there was no evidence base set out in the report to support these claims. Mr Brown also noted that all trials allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes have become permanent. Mr Brown also advised that it is likely that motorcyclists who choose not to use bus lanes, do so to avoid facing fines, because of inconsistency across city borders.

Councillor Mulherin, Executive Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development, commented on the varied approach across local authorities, and welcomed the Scrutiny Board’s input to the discussion.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority Policy Officer (Transport) addressed the meeting confirming the Combined Authority’s commitment to encouraging appropriate consideration of motorcycle use of bus lanes.  It was also confirmed that the Combined Authority had an overarching aim of improving facilities for motorcycle users across the constituent local authority areas. 

The Scrutiny Board was also reminded of the Department for Transport guidance that encourages an objective assessment of each location on a case-by-case basis

Members considered all the information provided with the agenda and the details presented at the meeting. Members discussed a number of relevant matters, including:

·  The cost of implementation. Members queried the costs associated with revising the Council’s existing policy to adopt the suggested approach by WYCA.  Members also queried the costs and practicalities associated with operating a trial arrangement.  The Scrutiny Board was informed that no detailed costing were currently available.  However, the most expensive elements were likely to be associated with public consultation and the resource allocated to manage representations made to the Council. Members were also advised that the advertising cost would be relatively low.  It was also highlighted that the total costs would be expected to be less than £100k overall.

·  Cyclist confidence and safety. Members were informed that one cyclist lobbying group suggest that motorcycle access discourages cyclists who are less confident to use bus lanes. However, Members were also informed that this was not supported by surveys of cyclists. Mr Brown noted that cycle lanes and bus lanes are often combined, which separates motorcyclists from road bicycle users. Additionally, Mr Manton advised Members that most of the worries and frustrations that cyclists experience, are also the experience of motor cyclists, and that cycle lanes are protective to those road users but at the detriment of motorcyclists.

The Scrutiny Board also discussed the merits of operating a time-limited trial for Powered Two Wheelers (PTW) use of bus lanes in Leeds. 

In summing-up the discussion, the Chair stated that the Scrutiny Board supported the principle of promoting the use of Powered Two Wheelers (PTW) as a mode of transport.  In noting the Department for Transport guidance that encourages an objective assessment of each location on a case-by-case basis, the Scrutiny Board also supported the concept of trialling PTW access to bus lanes in Leeds and proposed that it be recommended that the Director of City Development:

·  Develops proposals for a time-limited trial of PTW vehicle access to bus lanes in Leeds.

·  Works in conjunction with Leeds Motorcycle Action Group to identify a suitable trial area.

·  Identifies key performance measures (and baseline data) to help monitor the overall impact of the trial, including the ongoing / final assessment of any associated road safety issues.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the principle of promoting the use of Powered Two Wheelers (PTW) as a mode of transport be supported;

b)  That the Department for Transport guidance suggesting an objective assessment of each location on a case-by-case basis be noted;

a)  The Scrutiny Board recommends that the Director of City Development:

  i.  Develops proposals for a time-limited trial of PTW vehicle access to bus lanes in Leeds.

  ii.  Works in conjunction with Leeds Motorcycle Action Group to identify a suitable trial area.

  iii.  Identifies key performance measures (and baseline data) to help monitor the overall impact of the trial, including the ongoing / final assessment of any associated road safety issues.

c)  That the contents of the report, along with the presentation, be noted.

Councillors N Buckley, P Wadsworth, K Maqsood and J Goddard left the meeting during discussion of this item.

(In line with standard practice, the Scrutiny Board will seek a formal response to its recommendations from the Director of City Development, in addition to updates on any associated progress, in due course.)