Special lanes

Cycle, bus, taxi and transit lanes

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What are special lanes?

Special lanes are areas of the road allocated for the sole use of particular kinds of vehicles such as buses, cycles, taxis or vehicles carrying more than two passengers.

Special lanes are usually the lane closest to the left-hand side of the road, but they can be anywhere on the road. There are four kinds of special lanes: cycle lanes, bus lanes, bus and taxi lanes, and transit lanes. In some areas, cyclists can also use other special lanes. Call your local authority to find out if this applies in your area.

Transit lanes can only be used by vehicles carrying a minimum number of people. The minimum number of people required will be displayed on a sign. For example T3 means at least three people must be in a vehicle using a transit lane.

What are special lanes for?

Special lanes are often placed on busy stretches of road to allow certain types of vehicles priority in getting through traffic. They’re also created for safety reasons, especially in the case of cycling lanes.

What do special lanes look like and how do I know if I can use one?

The road surface of special lanes may sometimes be coloured, or they may just have white lines showing where the lane begins and ends.

The road surface of the lane has to show what the lane is for. For example bus lanes must show an image, symbol or words indicating that only buses can enter them. If the vehicle you’re driving isn’t shown, you can’t use the lane.

Other vehicles may use special lanes only if they are:

• a passenger service vehicle entering a specified stopping place to pick up or drop off passengers, or
• any vehicle entering or leaving the road from a driveway, another street etc.

Stopping and parking in special lanes

Many of these lanes operate 24 hours a day. That means you can’t stop or park in them at any time. Some only operate within certain hours and a sign will display their operating times. Outside the operating times you can stop, stand or park your vehicle in the lanes.

If your vehicle breaks down and for safety reasons you’re forced to stop in a special lane, you may be able to defend a traffic infringement.

If you’re in this situation:

• move the vehicle as far as possible out of the lane
• put the vehicle’s hazard lights on
• lift up the bonnet and boot — this will show you need help
• stay with the vehicle until help arrives.

Penalties for misuse of special lanes

You can be charged with a traffic infringement if you breach the rules on special lanes. The penalties charged by local authorities vary.

Page created: 7 October 2008